Family trips are a time for making memories, but they can also require a lot of work. If you share custody of your kids, now is the time to start planning those special vacation memories. For divorced parents in Georgia, organizing trips requires extra steps beyond booking hotels and activities. Getting your vacation plans in order early will help ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience for you and your children.
Start early for a stress-free trip
The earlier you begin planning your vacation with your children, the better. Parents who share custody need to handle several important tasks, including:
- Getting a passport for your child or renewing one if traveling internationally
- Coordinating time away from school schedules
- Communicating your travel plans clearly with your co-parent
- Obtaining necessary travel permissions from your co-parent or the courts
Planning early gives you time to address any concerns or objections from your co-parent. It also allows for court intervention if needed, which can take weeks or months, depending on the court’s schedule.
Last-minute vacation planning often leads to stress and conflict. A rushed timeline makes it harder to resolve disagreements calmly and rationally.
Make vacation planning part of your parenting agreement
The best time to discuss vacation rules is when you create your initial parenting agreement. When both parents work together to establish clear guidelines, future travel becomes much simpler. Your parenting agreement should address the following:
- How much advance notice is required for vacation plans
- How to divide vacation time between parents
- Geographic restrictions on travel destinations
- Requirements for sharing itineraries and contact information
Including specific vacation provisions in your parenting plan can prevent misunderstandings and provide a framework for resolving disagreements.
Understand the risks of improper planning
Failing to plan appropriately for vacations can have serious consequences. Taking a child across state lines or internationally without proper permission could violate your custody agreement or even Georgia law.
Courts take custody violations very seriously. Potential consequences include:
- Loss of future vacation time
- Modification of your custody arrangement
- Legal fees and court costs
- Emotional distress for your children
Vacation planning when you share custody takes work, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By planning ahead and communicating openly, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip for everyone involved.
