Divorced With Kids? 3 Tips For Planning A Stress-Free Family Vacation
Now that the divorce is settled and custody has been decided, you want to take your child on vacation. Before the divorce, vacation planning was much simpler. Now, you have the custody arrangements to take into consideration. You need to make sure that you don't break any rules or create any situations that may cause you problems later on. Here are four suggestions that will help you prepare for your vacation.
Be Specific With Your Plans
If the custody orders specify when each parent is allowed vacation time, you should try to plan your trip around those dates. Take things like travel time and weather into consideration when making your plans. For instance, if you'll be traveling during the winter, and there's a good chance that weather may delay your plans, allow time for layovers and other delays. This will ensure that you don't go over your allotted vacation time.
Get Your Documents in Order
Never travel without the proper documentation. Before you leave on vacation, make a copy of your custody orders and place them in your luggage. If you'll be traveling during a time that is not your usual time with your child, be sure to have the other parent sign a letter authorizing the change in custody schedules. This will ensure that you can prove you have permission to be traveling with your child, should the need arise.
If you're having trouble getting the permission you need to travel with your child, you should sit down with your attorney. They may be able to help you obtain emergency orders. This is particularly true if the travel is for plans that cannot be rearranged.
Plan for Communication
Communication with both parents is important. If you're going to be traveling with your child, it's important that you provide your child with a way to communicate with the other parent while they're with you. Give your child a computer with internet access or a cell phone that they can use during the vacation. This will allow your child to maintain communication with their other parent without having to go through you to do so.
You want life to be as normal as possible after your divorce. That includes family vacations with your child. Use the tips listed above to help plan a stress-free vacation for you and your kids. If you have further questions regarding travel after divorce, be sure to discuss those with an attorney (such as one from http://www.gremlaw.com).