A STRESS-FREE HOLIDAY
It is that time of year again when thoughts turn to organising ‘The Summer Holiday.’ LCF Law’s family lawyers Rachel Spencer Robb and Harjit Rait give their tips for ensuring this year’s break is memorable for all the right reasons.
Harjit Rait and Rachel Spencer Robb
I t can be difficult and stressful at the best of times, but even more so when parents are either separated or divorced and agreement cannot be reached with regard to when, with whom and where the children will spend their summer holidays, to include whether the children can travel abroad.
Below are a few tips to help:
- Plan and try to reach agreement as early as possible. Children like to know what is happening when. If agreement is reached early, the children benefit from spending quality holiday time with each of their parents, and both parents can plan childcare, work commitments and holidays.
- If agreement cannot be reached, act quickly either by suggesting Family Mediation or seek legal advice. Generally speaking, the Court’s starting point is that it is in the children’s best interest to spend time with both parents during the holiday period, whether holidaying in this country or abroad.
- Even if agreement is reached with regard to a holiday abroad, still obtain the written consent of the other parent (and anyone else who has parental responsibility). This applies even if the children usually live with you (unless you are the holder of an Order confirming the children live with you in which case you can take the children abroad for up to 28 days without the other parent’s consent).
- Provide all the information regarding the proposed holiday that you would expect your ex-partner to provide to you, to include dates of travel and return, destination and details of who else will be travelling with you and the children.
If all else fails, Rachel and Harjit are on hand to help advise as to possible solutions and assist in resolving matters.
Rachel Spencer Robb rspencerrobb@lcf.co.uk – 01943 601 020
Harjit Rait hrait@lcf.co.uk – 01274 848 800
Bradford
One St. James Business Park,
New Augustus Street,
Bradford,
BD1 5LL
01274 848 800
bradford@lcf.co.uk
Harrogate
The Exchange, Station Parade,
Harrogate,
HG1 1TS,
North Yorkshire
