Summer is right around the corner. For those who have children, this can mean a change in routine. It is not too soon to start preparing for this change. You may have different daycare arrangements. There may be vacations planned. Perhaps you are interested in sending the kids to camp. Whatever your summer holds, we at Eric C. Cheshire, P.A. believe taking the steps outlined below ensure you will have fewer conflicts with your former spouse as the summer months arrive.
Consult Your Divorce Decree
As a first step, consult your divorce decree. It is likely the issue of child custody/parental responsibility or time-sharing during the summer months has already been addressed. Just because you don’t presently recall such an agreement does not mean your attorney overlooked it. What to do with the children in the summer months is a common enough issue that is unlikely to have been omitted.
When Time Sharing Changes in the Summer, Talk to Your Children Now
If your time sharing will change over the summer months, start talking about the changes with your children now. Children crave security. Knowing what their summer will look like provides children with comfort and a sense of stability.
Consider Transportation
If your children will be traveling to live with their other parent during the summer, it is not too soon to make travel plans. Obviously, this will require communication with your former spouse. You will need to decide what day the children will arrive, and what day the children will return home. If the other parent lives within driving distance, there should be a discussion about who will take on the necessary driving responsibilities if these responsibilities are not spelled out in the decree. If you need to purchase airfare, you will save money by buying in advance.
Summer Camp
Now is the time to start considering summer camp. If you share time sharing duties, a conversation with your former spouse is in order. Consider and discuss who will be responsible for packing the children’s clothes. Also consider who will purchase summer camp necessities, such as sunscreen, a sleeping bag, laundry detergent, etc.
Expectations for Older Children
If you have older children, consider whether you feel strongly about what they do with their summer. Are you okay with your child frittering away the summer, or do you expect them to get a job? May they spend their earnings, or do you expect them to save some or all of their money for something important? Make sure the other parent is on the same page.
If You are Considering Divorce
If you are considering divorce, contact Eric C. Cheshire, P.A., Marital and Family Law Attorney. Eric C. Cheshire has extensive experience handling family law cases, including addressing issues of time-sharing during the school year and the summer. Eric C. Cheshire is committed to helping families divorce peaceably and with minimal conflict. Not every divorce is easy, but Eric C. Cheshire employs many approaches with an eye towards resolution, which may include mediation and collaborative divorce, where appropriate. Of course, if litigation is necessary, Eric C. Cheshire has the litigation skills necessary to go into the courtroom and champion his client’s position. Contact us today for a consultation at (561) 677-8090.