In our last article, we discussed the importance of peaceful co-parenting and being prepared when planning your summer holidays with the children. In this article, we will continue on with our discussion by providing you with a short key checklist of things to keep in mind ahead of the children’s summer holidays:

1. Co-Parenting Summer Holiday Checklist:
   1. Review co-parenting agreement/order(s) prior to planning your summer holiday with the children.
   2. Plan a meeting/telephone call with your co-parent to discuss holiday plans and ensure both of you are on the same page about the upcoming summer holidays.
   3. Plan your holidays with the children accordingly and obtain necessary paperwork/documents including but not limited to passports, birth certificates (if necessary) and Deed of Parenting (if necessary), Covid vaccination and vaccination records.
   4. Provide a detailed summary of travel plans to your co-parent after tickets and plans are purchased and solidified.
   5. Provide to your co-parent the emergency contact details for the children when traveling for the summer holidays.
   6. Discuss any financial considerations with your co-parent about the children’s holiday travel plans and activities.
   7. Enjoy your holidays with the children!
2. Questions to Ask Your Solicitor Prior to the Holidays:
   1. After reviewing the children’s holiday agreement/orders and there is any confusion, ask for clarification from your solicitor so you are not misinterpreting or misreading the agreement/orders.
   2. If there are disagreements about the summer holidays, ask your solicitor what can be done to assist in the process.
   3. If an application must be made to the court, ask your solicitor detailed questions about the application including how long it will take to obtain a court order and if there is anything that can be done to expedite the process and what the costs are.
   4. Ask your solicitor if you need to bring additional documents with you when traveling with the children other than a passport such as a birth certificate and/or Deed of Parenting.
   5. If you have a history of issues with your co-parent, ask your solicitor if there are any safeguards or steps you can take in advance to avoid issues/conflict during the holidays with the children.

The above is a handy checklist of the things you should review and prepare in advance of the summer holidays. It is always better to be overprepared when it comes to the children’s holidays.  The last thing you want is to have any issues or conflict during your holidays with the children or even worse, not being able to travel with the children for the holidays because of a disagreement with your co-parent over the summer holidays. Speak to your solicitor when in doubt!