How will the upcoming Summer Holidays affect Child Arrangement Orders?

Summer holidays can significantly impact contact arrangements in several ways:

·         Extended Visitation Periods: Many child arrangement agreements allow for extended visitation periods during the summer months. This might mean that the non-custodial parent gets to spend more consecutive days or weeks with the child than during the school year.

·         Holiday Planning: Both custodial and non-custodial parents may plan vacations with the child during the summer break. This can require negotiation and coordination to ensure that both parents have the opportunity for quality time with the child, especially if the vacation plans conflict with regular child arrangement schedules.

·         Flexibility in Scheduling: Some child arrangement orders become more flexible during the summer, allowing for adjustments to the regular visitation schedule to accommodate holidays or other activities.

·         Communication and Planning: Effective communication between co-parents becomes even more crucial during the summer months to ensure that both parents are informed about the child's schedule, any changes to scheduling, and any special events or activities the child is involved in.

·         Child's Preferences: Depending on the child's age and maturity level, their preferences for how they spend their summer break may become a factor in custody arrangements.

·         Maintaining Consistency: While summer holidays often bring changes to child arrangements, it's important to strive for consistency and stability for the child whenever possible. Clear communication, adherence to the custody agreement, and a focus on the child's best interests can help maintain stability during this time of transition.

Overall, the impact of summer holidays on child contact arrangements can vary depending on the specific circumstances of each family. Flexibility, communication, and a willingness to prioritise the child's well-being are essential in navigating these changes effectively.

If you need help navigating a CAO or you are having difficulties creating a CAO, please contact us on 01305 752700 or emailinfo@mustoeshorter.co.uk.