Top tips for taking your child on holiday this Summer – for separated parents

With the summer holidays fast approaching many parents are wondering how they are going to manage the 6 week holiday, this stress can be magnified when parents are not co-parenting effectively. 

If you would like to take your child on holiday in the UK there is technically no legal requirement to obtain permission of the other parent however we would always encourage parents to liaise with each other before booking holidays and before travelling so that you all know where the child will be and to help prevent any conflict. Think in advance about how you will manage this and the details to be shared.

If you would like to take your child abroad, you should discuss this with the other parent if they also have Parental Responsibility so as to obtain consent. Permission would be best obtained in writing i.e. email, letter or consent to travel form. Again we would encourage parents to share travel arrangements and accommodation.

Here are some key things to remember to help navigate holiday planning and make the period itself as enjoyable as possible.

• Try and put yourself in the other parents’ position, how would you feel about the holiday? Remember that your children are likely to be excited about going away with their parent and will look to you both to ensure that they are able to enjoy themselves without worrying about their other parent. 
• Try and ensure that where possible the children are able to  speak with the other parent if they wish during the trip, as they may well miss the other parent when they are with you, let them know that is a perfectly normal feeling.
• Think about whether there is a need to swap the current arrangements or for additional time to be arranged before or after a holiday.
• Respect the other parent’s time with the children, it’s important that they have quality time with you both.
• Try not to make the holidays a competition between you. 
• Let the other parent know when you have arrived and share in advance your travel plans and accommodation details.

Further information regarding taking your child on holiday in the UK can be found here and information regarding holidays abroad can be found here.

Stone King LLP appreciate that it can often be difficult to make decisions about child arrangements and holidays, we are here to help. We have a team of experienced mediators and family lawyers. Please call 01225 337 599 if you require any assistance or find out more about mediation here.