Schools Out For Summer – The Law Offices of Steven B. Chroman

That used to be the anthem we blasted on our radios as loud as can be…now the tune can equate fear in two household families. I think the most difficult part of summer break is unilateral for all parents; keeping your children occupied. Twice as hard when you have to split time with an EX. Of course, it is important for parents to spend as much quality time with their children as they can but add divorce into the mix and you have yourself a real fun uphill battle.
If you are in a high conflict situation with your co-parent, it may not be the best idea for the kids to be switching back and forth between co-parents frequently during the summer months. When dealing with divorce and summer break you must always have the benefit and welfare of your children as your number one priority. If your current situation with the co-parent is unsuitable for your children to be around, consider having them spend the summer with relatives or at a summer camp. It is also always a good idea to discuss with your kids about summer plans prior to their summer break and to come up with options and hear their opinions.
Divorce and summer break for younger children:
Younger children are often more impressionable and vulnerable at this time in their lives. Parenting is especially important to children when they are younger and in divorced families, this means that the children spend relatively equal amounts of time with each of their co-parents. When dealing with divorce and summer break this can sometimes pose a problem as most co-parents have regular jobs. This makes it very important to plan ahead and request vacation time from your employer well in advance of summer break. Leaving the children with a sitter during the day may be your only option, but you must take every opportunity that you can to spend time with them.
Divorce and summer break for older children:
Older children often times like to make plans with their friends during the summer. This does provide some relief, but it does not mean that you have the luxury of slacking off as a co-parent. Instead, it requires you to do even more thorough planning for the summer months. You must sit down with your children and discuss what plans they already have for the summer and also what activities or trips they would like to do with you during this time.
It’s not too late to create that summer plan for your children, to make it a happy and memorable vacation for them. Work with you EX, schedule longer visits so you and your children can go away without interfering with regular schedules. Discuss options with your children; consider what they would like to do over the summer and arrange your schedule accordingly. Make sure to discuss with your co-parent what the children share, so you are both on the same page. If you do not have a well-defined plan and are not amicable, speak with your attorney. If you don’t have an attorney, our office can assist you to manage visitation issues and mediate the same in a timely and efficient manner.
For more information and to schedule your consultation, please call The Law Offices of Steven B. Chroman, P.C., at 661-255-1800 or visit us at www.chromanlaw.com. Mr. Chroman is a Trusted Advisor Award Winner and named Top 100 California Attorney’s with over 26 years of experience and local service and a 2021, 2022 2023 & 2024 Super Lawyer. You can purchase Mr. Chroman’s best-selling Divorce Workbook at: www.amazon.com/Preparing-Divorce–considering-separation