How Was Your Summer Holiday?
For separated parents, the long school summer break can be one of the most challenging times of the year. Balancing work, childcare and six weeks of activities is demanding enough, but coordinating arrangements with an ex-partner can add another layer of complexity.
Planning ahead is key. Agreeing how the holidays will be shared, collection and return times, travel plans, passport arrangements and any important family events or activities can help avoid unnecessary conflict. Flexibility is equally important, as plans sometimes change, and a willingness to accommodate each other can make the holidays run far more smoothly.
If overseas travel is planned, parents should remember that English law requires the consent of everyone with parental responsibility before taking a child abroad, unless a Child Arrangements Order states the child “lives with” that parent, allowing travel for up to 28 days (unless the order says otherwise). Carrying a written consent letter and supporting documents is always advisable. Travelling without the necessary consent could have serious legal consequences.
Above all, children should remain the focus. Avoid placing them in the middle of disagreements, listen to any concerns they have about moving between households, and aim to provide reassurance and stability throughout the holidays.
Where disagreements cannot be resolved through discussion, early legal advice can often prevent matters escalating. Many disputes can be settled through solicitor correspondence or mediation, but in some cases court applications, such as a Specific Issue Order or Prohibited Steps Order, may be necessary. Whatever the circumstances, the court’s overriding consideration will always be the child’s best interests.
If you’re concerned about holiday arrangements or any aspect of child arrangements following separation, our Family Law team is here to provide clear, practical advice and help you find a solution that keeps your children’s best interests at the heart of every decision.
