Taking a trip with your children can be a great opportunity to bond and forge memories. Divorce need not get in the way of this, but it does mean it will be different and require additional planning.
Here are some additional considerations if you and your ex are sharing custody.
Permission from the other parent
There are two reasons you may need permission from the other parent. One is if the time you plan to take the kids away overlaps with when they are meant to be with your co-parent. The other is if you have to get permission from your co-parent to travel beyond a specified area – such as out of state or more than a certain number of miles.
Additionally, if you plan to travel far, you could face questions from officials who want to make sure you are not kidnapping your children. You’ll certainly need signed permission for the children to board an international flight, but you might even get asked for it before boarding a Greyhound or by a police officer in another state. Even if you never need to show it, getting written permission in advance can allay fears about being stopped and questions.
It can also help if your co-parent decides to deny agreeing to the trip. Note that if your co-parent refuses to give permission, you have the option to ask the court to approve the travel.
Communication between children and co-parent
Maybe your co-parent is fine with not speaking to the kids for a few days, and the kids will be having far too much fun to even think of it. However, many co-parents and kids would like to have some contact with each other during this time.
Discuss with your co-parent to determine how best to make this happen before you go. It can avoid anxiety over why someone has not called or answered and prevent annoyance from someone calling at an inappropriate time.
Considering these things when negotiating your parenting plan can help you be ready when one of you decides it is time for a vacation.