Traveling with Children Over the Holidays When You Have A Fort Lauderdale Parenting Plan In Place
During the holiday season, the focus is on family, friends, and making cherished memories with children. If you are a divorced or single parent, you may have a Fort Lauderdale parenting plan in place. The terms surrounding it and any child time-sharing orders in place play a major role when making travel plans.
Child time-sharing arrangements usually encourage both parents to be active in the child’s life, which includes special occasions such as the holidays. If you want to travel with your children this season, follow these tips from our Fort Lauderdale child time-sharing lawyer to protect your rights and ensure a smooth trip.
Review Your Parenting Plan and Communicate Early
The Florida Statutes encourage single and divorced parents to make child time-sharing arrangements. These are considered in the child’s best interests and allow both parents to remain active and engaged. However, even once you agree on a Florida parenting plan, working out holiday arrangements can prove challenging, particularly if you want to travel.
To protect your rights and help ensure your travel plans go smoothly, review your parenting plan and communicate early:
- Check the times and dates your child is in your care over the holiday season before making any arrangements;
- Notify the other parent of your intended plans as early as possible to avoid any scheduling conflicts;
- Inform the other parent of your travel plans and basic itinerary, particularly if you are taking your child out of state;
- Consider any special requests or extenuating circumstances during the holidays that the other parent might have and how these could impact your trip;
- If the other parent has a problem with your plans, discuss it with our Fort Lauderdale time-sharing lawyer before taking any actions.
Preparing To Travel With Children When You Have A Fort Lauderdale Parenting Plan
Traveling during the holidays is generally hectic and can be particularly hard on children. To make your travel more manageable while also ensuring compliance with your Fort Lauderdale parenting plan, we recommend these tips:
- Keep a copy of your parenting plan and any court orders with you while traveling;
- Get written permission from the other parent if you intend to travel out-of-state or out of the country;
- Consider any unexpected issues that are likely to come up, such as airport delays and adverse weather;
- Avoid scheduling red-eye flights that are likely to leave your child irritable and tired for a day or more after;
- Allow plenty of time to return the child to the other parent, in accordance with your parenting plan guidelines.
To Protect Your Rights In Parenting Plans, Consult Our Fort Lauderdale Child Time-Sharing Lawyer
Parenting plans in Fort Lauderdale are a common source of disputes, particularly during the holiday season. If you plan on traveling with your child this year, be proactive in making plans. To protect your rights when problems arise, get trusted legal guidance from Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer Vanessa L. Prieto. Call or contact us online today to schedule a consultation.
Sources:
flcourts.gov/content/download/686031/file_pdf/995a.pdf
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13.html
