Child Custody Summer Arrangements
One thing that parents must plan for when developing a child custody arrangement is how they will share custody of the child during the summer months, when the child is not in school. A summer break child custody schedule is a child custody arrangement that is different from the normal custody arrangement that is used during the school year. Most summer custody arrangements are determined in advance by the parents, and begin as soon as school lets out for the year.
Typical Format of Summer Arrangements
There are several ways to approach summer child custody arrangements. Some of the most popular summer custody arrangements include:
- Schedule Swap. Some parents who share child custody decide that they will swap their custody schedules completely during the summer. For example, if during the school year the child primarily resides with the mother during the week and with the father on the weekends, during the summer months the child would primarily reside with the father during the week and would reside with the mother on the weekends. This is a summer custody arrangement that is the inverse of the custody arrangement kept during the school year.
- Sole Custody For The Summer. Some parents decide that it would be best for the noncustodial parent to have full-time custody of the child for the whole or just a portion of the summer. Typically, summer arrangements of this type include a shift in the child’s physical residence, namely the child lives primarily with the non-custodial parent during the summer months. This arrangement is popular in custody situations where one parent lives in a different state and has limited opportunity to spend time with the child during the school year.
- Entirely Unique Arrangement. Many parents opt to create a new summer custody arrangement to meet the needs of caring for their child. Since the child is not in school, the parents might stagger their work schedules, and thus their custody schedules, so that one parent can be with the child most days. This approach cuts out the need for procuring child care during the summer months and gives each parent more time with the child.
- Modified Normal Custody Arrangement To Accommodate Special Summer Activities. Some school-year custody arrangements work fine for parents, and are extended into the summer months. However, many parents want to have summer vacation time with their children, or perhaps the child wants to go to summer camp for a portion of the summer. These types of activities should be accommodated for in a summer custody arrangement in a way that is fair to both parents. Parents should discuss their summer plans for their child in advance, and should work together to make sure that their child is able to attend summer camp and other summertime activities.
Ironing out the details and putting into effect a summer child custody arrangement can require the assistance of a skilled child custody lawyer. For help with your child custody arrangement or in any other family law issue, you can turn to the Law Office of Renkin & Associates. Reach out to us today for assistance.
