Call Us Now
Email Us Now
Summertime can be full of excitement for a parent and their children. However, it can also cause disputes over child custody issues. These disagreements are especially likely if there is an argument over what visitation schedule each parent is entitled to when they are trying to plan the best way to enjoy a Michigan summer with their children. To minimize the damage, it has been recommended that parents take early steps to ensure that each parent’s plans for the summer are set forth in some form of agreement.
It had been found that the first step in affecting summertime truce is to establish a schedule well in advance of the kids’ final day of school. The most effective way to implement such a plan is to sit down in person with the other parent so each parent can voice their concerns concerning the proposed schedule. Hopefully, through a civil conversation, both parents can reach an agreement that meets both their needs.
However, if the relationship is adversarial and personal communication is not an option, there are several other ways to address the summer schedule. One effective alternative is to resolve any disputes through a mediation session. An impartial third party may be able to see through the emotion and bring the parties together for the good of their children.
If mediation does not work out, parents also have a right to go back to the court to settle their dispute. It is common for divorce decrees to set forth the amount of uninterrupted time each party gets with the children during the summer and the amount of notice that is required to exercise this time. However, if the decree is silent on these items, it may be in the best interests of both parents to seek clarity through the courts to minimize the risk of further litigation down the road.
For many Michigan parents, planning early and with clarity is important in matters of child custody. This planning allows each party to avoid potential issues that may affect their summer plans. In such a manner, parents and children will be able to maximize their quality time with each other during the summer months.
Source: HuffingtonPost.com, “Summer Vacation And Child Custody Agreements,” Liz Mandarano, July 20, 2012