5 Tips to Plan for Summer Vacation After Divorce

Perhaps, last summer, you and your spouse were still together. You may not have been happy, but you were living together and so planning for summer vacation for your grade-school aged children wasn’t all that hard. You just tackled it like you had in the past.

This year, you’re divorced. You have to figure out exactly how to share time and plan for the summer, something you’ve never done before. Below are a few tips that can help.

1. Understand Your Custody Agreement.

Know exactly what rights and obligations you have. Understand what the court decided when you split up. There are ways to get around some of this – you can alter the weekly plan for trips, for example – but start off by knowing where you both stand and working from there.

2. Focus on Communication.

Talking to your ex is the last thing on your list of preferred activities, but you must do it. Communicate and plan together. Never do anything, like taking a trip out of the state, without talking to your ex first. The biggest problems arise when two people simply fail to communicate or assume they can do whatever they want.

3. Put the Kids First.

The whole thing gets easier if you focus on the kids first. Each decision you and your spouse make should focus on them, on making their summer vacation as great as it can be. Put yourself second to their needs and desires.

4. Be Detailed.

When telling your ex what trips you want to take this summer, provide details. Don’t just propose some vague idea for a trip in June or July. Tell your ex when you want to leave, where you’ll go, what you plan to do, and when you’ll return. Providing more information keeps your ex in the loop and reduces conflict.

5. Stick to the Schedule.

Yes, it may sound fun to stay on the road for an extra few days if you’re having a good time and don’t have any work obligations to rush back to. However, if you gave your ex an itinerary, stick to it. He or she expects to see the kids when you get back and variations can spark legal disputes if you violate your spouse’s rights.

In a lot of ways, the key is to plan like you were still married. That could make you feel a bit uncomfortable, but it helps you get all of the information on the table. Talk freely and openly, be willing to compromise – you get to take a trip with the kids in June, for instance, if he or she can take one in August – and work hard on behalf of your kids. The entire time, always make sure you know your legal rights as a parent.

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bjenness79

I highly recommend Nathaniel Garrabrandt and Brown Family Law. If you are going through a divorce and your parental rights are being falsely challenged they are a great option. Nathaniel and Brown family law are professional, very knowledgeable, and know how to navigate within the broken and biased Utah family law court system. They were highly communicative throughout the process. They can potentially save you a lot of time and money if lawfare is being waged against you.

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Could not help with my case but referred me to someone who could .

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Clay Randle was great and I would highly recommend him for an attorney.

Danny Caine

Russell was my Lawyer at Brown Family Law. He helped me through my multiple cases after my divorce. He was very responsive whenever I had questions about my cases or understanding how the law works. Russell was respectful of how he used my retainer and always gave me good sound advice even if it wasn’t what I wanted to hear. I highly recommend his services if you’re looking for a top notch Family lawyer! 5 out of 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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I recently engaged Andrew to review my divorce decree that was finalized in another state. He gave me excellent advice. I did not feel pressured to proceed one way or another. Instead, he gave me very reasonable scenarios to consider and allowed me to proceed down the path that felt most comfortable to me.

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Clay Randle with Brown Family Law was excellent! I love the way the procedures with this company are organized. The attorney calls every Friday to check in with you so there’s no phone tag. Questions are answered very timely every week. Clay was very prompt in responding to emails. He was also great to “read the room” or the situation rather. Throughout the divorce, where grace was extended and healthy negotiation prevailed, he appeared to navigate the process in a calm and skillful way. I could see how he definitely had the capacity to respond in a more contentious, emotionally charged way if needed. He encouraged healthy boundaries with the splitting of assets and he understood both sides of what could happen if asking for a specific thing in the divorce. During a painful situation, Clay was able to crack some (tasteful) jokes and tried to keep a heavy situation feel a little less heavy. Couples seeking a divorce would be wise to choose Brown Family Law. They will be in great hands.

Dusty Boyer

I wholeheartedly recommend Andrew Christensen to anyone facing a divorce or custody battle. His passion and thoroughness as a divorce and custody attorney are truly exceptional. You’d think his name was on the firm’s door with the way he handles business—pouring his heart and expertise into every detail, even though it’s not his firm! From our first meeting, Andrew went far beyond a typical consultation, taking the time to listen, understand my situation, and craft a strategy that led to a successful outcome in my custody case. His dedication, compassion, and meticulous approach make him stand out. If you need an attorney who will fight for you like it’s personal, Andrew is the one to call!

Natalie Lewis

I absolutely believe that Brown Family Law is the best divorce attorney law firm in Utah. Attorney Ray Hingson did a fantastic job for me in a complicated divorce. He was there to guide me through the entire process. Ray touched base with me every week AND every time I called with worries or concerns. He handled things confidently and professionally. He took time to meet with me and explain everything so I could understand it. I felt like he really cared and wanted to do his best for me. His paralegal, Carren Leavitt, was also extremely helpful. All I had to do was pick up the phone and call her and she arranged a time for Ray to call me right back. She was always prompt and caring. I couldn't be happier!