If you’re one of many Missouri parents who are headed for divorce, you’ll want to make sure your co-parenting agreement is solid enough to avoid summertime disputes. Some parents make the mistake of wanting to “get it over with,” so their co-parenting agreement winds up being vague or lacking in detail. It’s best to write out clear terms for a child custody plan, especially regarding your children’s summer break from school.
The family court judge overseeing your divorce will make decisions for legal custody and physical custody of your children. Both issues may be especially relevant during the summer months. For instance, if you want to be spontaneous and take your kids to the beach, does your parenting plan address such issues? Also, which parent will have decision-making authority and where will your kids live while they are home from school in the summer?
Create a comprehensive child custody plan
You and your ex might get along fine but still disagree on occasion regarding child custody issues. It’s not uncommon among divorced parents. You can avoid having a minor issue escalate into a full-blown legal mess, however, if you write out clear terms in your co-parenting agreement from the start. Include details about who will pay for summer camp and vacations, where your kids will spend holidays or birthdays that take place during summer, as well as how and when custody transfers will take place.
Reach out for additional legal support as needed
Children whose parents are willing to cooperate and compromise following a divorce are typically better able to cope with the life changes their parents’ decision has brought to their lives. If a child custody disagreement arises during summer or anytime that you don’t feel equipped to handle on your own, you should not hesitate to reach out for additional support. Olson Law, LLC, provides guidance and legal support to Missouri parents whose priority is keeping their children’s best interests in mind when co-parenting disagreements arise. Divorce may change your children’s lives, but it doesn’t have to ruin them.
