Going on Vacation as a Divorced Parent
Single parents need to take the opportunity to go on a vacation with their children, even if the idea seems less exciting after a divorce. Divorced parents see their children less often than when they were married because of the division of parenting time. A trip is an opportunity for the parent to bond with the children and create happy memories. When planning a vacation with your children, there are several factors related to your divorce that you should consider.
Parenting Plan
You do not need to limit your vacation so that it fits within your regular parenting schedule but will need to discuss your vacation plans with your co-parent:
- Your co-parent has a right to know when your children are going to be out of town;
- Your co-parent must agree to any deviation in your parenting schedule; and
- You may need your co-parent’s permission to travel with your children, depending on where you are going.
Your co-parent is more likely to cooperate with your vacation plans if you tell them well in advance. If you are asking for a greater-than-normal share of parenting time, you should offer your co-parent additional parenting time on another date. Your co-parent may have a right to block your planned trip if they believe you are taking the children to an unsafe place or otherwise putting them in danger.
Planning a Trip
Before you talk to your co-parent, you should have an idea of where you will be going for your vacation. You can make more concrete plans once you know that you are clear with your co-parent. There are several questions you should ask before choosing a destination:
- What activities would both you and your children enjoy?;
- What is your budget for the trip?;
- How well can you attend to your children as a single parent?; and
- Should this be an opportunity to visit family?
Your children should participate in deciding where you will be going and what you will be doing. As a parent, you must understand what is practical. You may not have the money for an exotic vacation or the energy for a high activity vacation if you are the sole caretaker of the children. It may help to invite another trusted adult, such as a family member.
Contact a Batavia Divorce Lawyer
You and your children deserve the excitement of a vacation after the trauma of going through a divorce. A Kane County family law attorney at Van Larson Law, P.C., can advise you on how to add vacation time to your parenting plan. To schedule a consultation, call 630-879-9090.
Source:
https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/family-vacations/why-solo-parent-travel-important
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