School is out! For most parents that means six to eight weeks of summer holidays; trying to balance work, child care and, for some, packing the suitcases for an off-island holiday. However for some families, with separated parents, blended families or parents living in different jurisdictions, this time of year can be as much about avoiding arguments with their ex-partner as it is about planning what to do during the summer holidays.
Top tips for planning holiday contact
With that in mind the Family Department at Le Gallais & Luce have listed their top five suggestions to help the summer holiday contact work for separated/blended families:
(1) start the discussions about holiday contact as soon as possible: the earlier you start planning the better;
(2) focus on the issue in hand: avoid discussing old arguments and just focus on contact arrangements for the summer holidays;
(3) be flexible: try and create a plan that works for everyone, it will not be perfect, but invariably we will all need to compromise at different times;
(4) be considerate: parents may feel anxious about spending time away from their child. Try to respect each other’s boundaries, check in with your child a reasonable amount but ensure it is not too onerous;
(5) remain child focused: try and discuss with your child what they would like to do when they are with you – try as much as possible to keep the arrangements child focused and try to enjoy the summer – it’s all about the children, after all!
What to do if it you need help: Le Gallais & Luce
If despite your best efforts you cannot agree arrangements for the children over the summer holidays or your ex-partner refuses to agree to a holiday there are several options available to you: mediation, negotiation through family lawyers, or an application to the Family Court. Once you realise you need help or legal advice contact a family lawyer, the sooner you know your legal rights, the better.
At Le Gallais & Luce we are dedicated to resolving matters as amicably as possible. If you would like any advice regarding child arrangements or any aspect of family law please get in touch with a member of our experienced Family Team by calling 01534 760760 or send an email to family@lgl.je.