Child Arrangements and Summer Holidays

The common challenges during the summer holidays

Dividing holiday time

Parents often need to agree on how the child’s time will be divided over the extended summer break. Common arrangements include:

• Alternating weeks,
• Splitting the holidays equally, or
• Agreeing on longer blocks of time with each parent.

Early planning and clear communications are vital to accommodate both parents’ schedules and the child’s best interests.

Travel abroad

If a parent wishes to take the child abroad during the summer, they must obtain the other parents written consent or apply for a court order if consent is withheld before taking a child on holiday, whether within the UK or abroad. Providing full details of the holiday and agreeing to communication methods (i.e. videocalls) during the holiday can prevent disputes.

To avoid complications, divorced parents must carry the following documents when travelling abroad with children:

• Passports
• A sealed Court Order (if applicable)
• A letter of consent from the non-travelling parent,
• The child’s birth certificate.

If the parents are divorced, a Final Order (if you have one) may also be necessary. Parents should also check the airline’s requirements and any entry regulations for the destination country, as certain nations have specific rules regarding minors. If consent from the non-travelling parent is refused or ignored, the parent may need to apply for court permission to travel, detailing the trip's specifics, including duration, location, flight details and who is also travelling as well as allowing facetime contact on arranged dates throughout the holiday.

For parents with a Child Arrangements Order (CAO) that states the child lives with them, they can take the child(ren) abroad for up to 28 days without seeking permission unless restricted by the court. But it is courteous to notify the other parent of the holiday details.

Changes to routine

The summer holidays schedule may deviate from the usual term-time arrangements. Parents should discuss and agree on these changes to ensure stability for the children.

Relocation and logistics

For parents living far apart, travel arrangements, costs, and balancing work commitments can complicate summer plans.

Resolving disputes

As parents, if you cannot agree on summer arrangements the following options are available:

• Mediation – a neutral third party helps parents reach an agreement
• Court applications
  • Specific Issue Order (to approve a holiday abroad) or;
  • Prohibited Steps Order (to prevent the other parent taking certain actions).
• Parenting plans - written agreements detailing how the child’s time will be managed.

Practical tips

• Plan early to avoid last-minute conflicts
• Communicate clearly and respectfully to facilitate smooth arrangements.
• Be flexible and willing to accommodate reasonable changes to plans to support a cooperative co-parenting relationship.
• Prioritise the children’s interest ensuring they have a happy and relaxed holiday experience.
• Seek legal advice, if you experience any disputes or need assistance with making a Child Arrangements or Specific Issue Applications please contact the Family Team on 020 8290 0440 and they will be happy to assist you.