Navigating custody arrangements can be challenging, especially during the summer months when school is out. In New Jersey, like in many other states, custody agreements must consider not only the child’s best interests but also the practicalities of summer activities and schedules. From summer camps to vacations and passport issues, there are numerous factors to consider to ensure a smooth transition during this time. Let’s delve into some common issues that arise and provide you with some guidance about how to move forward.
Key Takeaways
- Child custody encompasses both legal and practical aspects of the parent-child relationship, including where the children live and important decisions regarding their upbringing.
- Custody arrangements include physical custody (where the child resides) and legal custody (decision-making authority). These can be sole or joint arrangements.
- Summer brings unique challenges, including coordinating summer camps, vacations, travel consent, school changes, and passport matters.
- Both parents should have designated time with the child during summer vacations, with itineraries exchanged in advance for logistical planning.
What is Child Custody?
Child custody refers to the relationship—both legal and practical—between a parent and child. It also includes the rights and responsibilities of an adult regarding the care and upbringing of a child or children. When the parents seek to end their marriage or relationship, decisions about child custody must be made to decide with whom the child will reside and how major decisions regarding that child’s life will be made.
There are different types of child custody arrangements:
- Physical Custody: This refers to where the child will live on a day-to-day basis. It can be sole physical custody, where the child resides primarily with one parent, or joint physical custody, where the child spends significant time with both parents.
- Legal Custody: This involves the right to make important decisions about the child’s upbringing, such as those related to education, healthcare, and religion. Like physical custody, legal custody can be sole or joint.
Custody arrangements are typically determined between the parents alongside legal representation or by a Court order. Courts in New Jersey will always make a custody decision based on the best interests of the child. The judge will determine custody by considering the relationship the child has with each parent, financial stability, responsibility, the child’s preferences, and so on.
What are Some Summer-Related Custody Issues to Consider?
What are Some Summer-Related Custody Issues to Consider?
When school is in session, child custody and who gets to see the kids and when is easier to figure out, because much of the child’s day has been decided. When school is out for summer, however, there are some issues that sometimes arise. Let’s look at some common dilemmas and how to navigate them effectively:
Summer Camp
Children commonly enroll in summer camps as a way to pass the time or learn new skills and make friends. Many parents are generally agreeable to day camps, but the issue tends to arise when overnight camps are involved, running into one parent’s visitation time. Furthermore, some parents may not agree to letting a child go to summer camp, or they would rather not pay for it. So what happens?
Summer camp enrollment is considered a joint custody decision. In other words, parents need to make the decision together. For this, both parents must agree. Otherwise, a Court will need to intervene. If one parent’s decision to not allow a child to attend summer camp is new, or if the parent had consented to summer camp during the marriage, the Court will most likely be in favor of sending the child to camp. Additionally, the expense of summer camp will be split fairly between both parents’ income.
Vacations
During the summer, each party should have time with the children. These vacations can be consecutive or non-consecutive, depending on the agreement reached between both parties. However, both parties must exchange their itineraries in advance so that preparations can be made, as well as flight and hotel information, if necessary.
Receiving Consent for Travel
There are many risks involved with traveling, one of them being child abduction. Due to this, many airlines will require that the noncustodial parent provides proof of consent from the custodial parent before allowing the child and the noncustodial parent aboard.This is especially important if you plan on traveling internationally. It is also wise to bring a copy of the certified custody order, just to be safe.
Changing Schools
If you plan on moving or changing your child’s school before the start of the new school year, it is important to notify the noncustodial parent of those changes, who must agree to the change. Otherwise, you are going to have to go to Court, and that may take a while. For instance, if you bring up this change in August, there is a low chance that your case will be heard before school begins in September.
Passports
Typically, both parents must appear in the passport office with the child to apply or renew a passport. The only time one parent can accompany the child is when the otherparent signs the required parental consent forms. Keep in mind that a child’s passport expires every five years, so be sure to double check your passports and give yourself plenty of time to get to it. Also make sure that the other parent is involved in the process or at least knows what you are planning.
Contact a Family Law Attorney in New Jersey Today
Summer custody issues require careful consideration and proactive planning to ensure the well-being of the child and the smooth functioning of the family unit. Whether it’s coordinating summer camp schedules, sharing vacation time, obtaining consent for travel, or addressing changes in schools, navigating these complexities often necessitates legal guidance. If you’re facing summer custody dilemmas in New Jersey, don’t hesitate to seek the support of a qualified family law attorney who can provide personalized advice and representation tailored to your unique situation.
Get in touch with the seasoned team of Ziegler Law Group, LLC today. We can help you enjoy the summer with your child by helping you with custody issues. Call 973-533-1100 or fill out the online form to schedule your free consultation with a member of our team.
