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By LegalMatters Staff • Separated and divorced parents want to enjoy a summer vacation with their children but problems can arise if they do not communicate effectively about their holiday plans. In most cases, the parenting schedule they have agreed to will include language defining each parent’s right to vacation with their children, such as the number of weeks each parent will have with the children.
However, there are a myriad of other issues that can arise. Most of these can be avoided by discussion and planning ahead.
“If one parent has been granted weekdays with the children and the other gets weekends, any week-long trip will interfere with that schedule,” says Edmonton family lawyer Emily Gore. “In this case, the parent requesting the vacation could offer an alternative temporary arrangement to make up for the time the child will be away.
If the other parent objects or refuses to discuss possible options, she says it may become necessary to speak to a lawyer and seek a court order granting permission for the trip.
“If you will be crossing an international border with your minor child, the Canadian government recommends that parents obtain and carry with them a written consent letter from the other parent,” says Gore. “While this letter is not mandatory, immigration authorities or airline representatives may request to see it. If you do not have it, that will result in delays or even a refusal to enter or exit a country.”
She also advises divorced or separated parents to agree on what activities children be allowed to undertake when travelling.
“Is skydiving, scuba diving or bungee jumping allowed if they are offered at a resort?” she asks. “It is best for the parents to talk about this issue ahead of time, in case there are any injuries.”
