Parenting Time and Custody Issues

The last year indeed presented issues with parenting time and custody issues with lockdowns and remote learning.

As we are in the heat of the summer, which brings a host of parenting time and custody issues on its own, and we are looking at back to school in a, hopefully, typical sense, it’s a good time to talk about dealing with these issues.

Summertime Co-Parenting Tips

1. Parenting plans should be made in advance if your agreement doesn’t specifically address summertime.
2. Communicate with your co-parent about summer trips/vacations, camps, and activities. Summer-only changes are common for all children, so communication with your co-parent is essential to keep calendars straight and disagreements at bay.
3. Talk to your child(ren). Changes can be hard on kids, so talk to them about schedule adjustments, including seeing one parent less, staying in a different home, and the plans for the summer.
4. Don’t take it personally if your child(ren) talks about missing the other parent or is having a hard time adjusting to the new routine. Talk to them about the fun activities you have planned and allow them time to call, video chat, etc., with their other parent.
5. Don’t make legal decisions without talking to your attorney. If changes are being made to your existing parenting plan, be sure to consult your lawyer if you foresee any issues.
6. Don’t skip child support payments. Even if you have physical custody of your child(re) more often during the summer, unless you have a child support modification, you are legally obligated to continue making your regular child support payments. If you want to request a modification, talk to your lawyer.

Back-to-School Co-Parenting Tips

As children are returning to school in a more regular-fashion this year, here’s a reminder of tried-and-true back-to-school co-parenting tips:

1. Communicate with your co-parent regarding all education-related decisions. Chances are that your child’s school year will look different than the 2020-2021 pandemic school year. Your child may be changing schools, continuing with remote learning, or returning to school in-person.
2. Review the terms of your parenting plan and see if any adjustments need to be made.
3. Talk to your child(ren) about the new schedule and address their concerns.
4. Keep consistent rules at home – whether you are the primary custodial parent or not.
5. Communicate with your co-parent about extracurricular activities, doctor appointments, homework deadlines, vacations, field trips, etc. There are a number of co-parenting apps that help with scheduling.
6. If your child is struggling with the divorce/separation and the changes that followed, notify your child’s teacher and ask for updates.
7. Ask the school to include both parents on any mailing/e-mail lists.
8. Update school forms to reflect both home addresses and parties that are able to pick-up your child or whom should be called in an emergency situation.
9. Split any costs for back-to-school supplies.
10. Communicate with your co-parent about pick-up and drop-off on the first day of school – so everyone can be involved.
11. Communicate with your co-parent about homework plans – to address scheduling, deadlines, and obligations.
12. Agree to share photos/videos if one parent is unable to attend an event.

At the root of it all, keeping in mind what is best for the children is what will lead to a healthy and successful co-parenting relationship. Issues may arise, and that is when you should get your attorney involved – to manage emotions and enforce your rights. 

If you have parenting time and custody issues, and need help, contact us to schedule your free, no-obligation strategy session. We are here to help!