Getting divorced is not an easy ordeal, especially if you and your former partner have children. After you hire a lawyer and get your affairs in order, you may find yourself approaching the summertime while the case is pending. This situation is more common than you might think, and many parents have a hard time navigating the circumstances.

4 FAQ About Handling Summer Vacation During a Divorce

Will you need permission to take your child out of state for a vacation?

If you and your former partner are on good terms and are co-parenting successfully, you may not need to seek counsel from your lawyer or get permission from the courts. However, if you don’t get along with the other parent, you will require approval through a court order.

What if the other parent won’t let the child travel?

If the child’s other parent doesn’t consent to an out-of-state vacation, you can try to make different arrangements for the summer that will keep your child close to home. However, if you insist on traveling with them, you can file a Request for Order to receive written approval from the courts.

This process takes time, but you can expedite it if necessary with an Ex Parte Request for Order. A lawyer who specializes in family law can advise you on the best course of action.

When should you begin planning your child’s summer vacation?

If you and your former partner are not on good terms or cannot co-parent without the courts’ involvement, you will need to bring these concerns before a judge to establish child custody and vacation guidelines. It can take months to go through the court system, so if you perceive summer vacation being an issue, you should start planning months in advance.

Can you take your child on vacation even if your custody order doesn’t say you can?

If your custody order doesn’t specify your ability to travel out of town with your child for any reason, you will still need written permission to leave the state from the other parent. If you intend to travel frequently, you may consider requesting the courts to make an order to address the issue.

If you’re planning to separate from your spouse, don’t hesitate to contact the lawyers at Kirksey Law Firm LLC in Bolivar, MO. This team of skilled lawyers specializes in family law and personal injury cases. They have years of experience handling everything from child support agreements to divorce mediation. Call (417) 326-4529 to schedule a consultation or visit them online for more details about their areas of practice.