Planning for Spring Break? Here’s What Co-Parents Need to Know

The countdown has begun. Spring break is just weeks away, and no doubt, your child is more than ready for some time off.

Chances are, you’re ready as well, because spring break offers a chance to change things up and spend some extra time with your child. For parents sharing custody, however, planning a week of free time can be a little more complicated. At the LLF Law Firm, we understand the challenges that come with planning for spring break, and we can help you sort through the legalities while protecting your parental rights. Call us today at (888) 535-3686 or use our online form.

How Does Pennsylvania Address Custody Issues During Spring Break?

Like most states, Pennsylvania family law leans on the “best interests of the child” doctrine, meaning that the courts consider the child’s safety, happiness, and well-being to be the first priority. This is true for every aspect of the child’s care, of course—not just spring break—and the courts take this approach very seriously.

This typically translates to equal time with both parents, and courts will often build shared vacation and holiday schedules into the custody agreement.

That said, they do also understand that life doesn’t always follow a predetermined schedule, and they encourage parents to work together to accommodate special requests, including spontaneous outings, play dates, and yes, spring break.

Are you planning a trip, for example? Custody schedules don’t pause for special plans, so you’ll need to make sure that you’re not infringing on the other parent’s time. If this isn’t already stipulated in your decree, you may need to negotiate some sort of “time-trade” or modification.

Common solutions for spring break can include splitting the week down the middle or alternating years, just as you would a major holiday. You may also need to get extra consent if you’re planning on taking your child out of state or out of the country, and all of this makes pre-planning essential for a smooth transition around any “vacation time,” whether you’re taking a trip or not.

Keep in mind that the courts will step in if the parents can’t agree, and that may or may not go your way. Since the goal here is to ensure your child has the best spring break possible—including quality time with both parents—that may mean finding some flexibility in your standing custody agreement. Maybe that translates to adjusting schedules or planning shorter trips, so that everyone has an opportunity to enjoy this extra time. Whatever the solution, approaching the conversation from a place of cooperation and accommodation typically leads to a better outcome.

Getting Help When Conflicts Arise—Call the LLF Law Firm

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to give your child an exciting spring break, and ideally, you and your ex can find a compromise that works for everyone. When vacations and breaks are planned thoughtfully—and with respect for legal boundaries—they can become meaningful and memorable experiences for you and your child. But if planning for these special events becomes a constant source of conflict, we can help. Our Family Law Team can help you review your custody order and protect your rights as a parent. We can also help you pursue custody modifications and enforcement if that becomes necessary. Call us today at (888) 535-3686 or use our online form to schedule a consultation.