Summer is well underway in Ohio, so many families will be looking for ways to keep children busy until the school year starts. Parents who share custody of their children face these same challenges, though they must also confront unique issues when figuring out co-parenting during the summer. Ohio’s laws on parenting time, companionship, and visitation are straightforward, but they don’t offer much guidance on how to do it well. Your normal school-year approach may require certain accommodations during the carefree days of summer.
Successful co-parenting takes practice like any skill, so advice on how to make it work is always welcome. Whether you’re new to it or need a refresher, you can trust the Ohio child custody lawyers at Kademenos, Wisehart, Hines, Dolyk & Wright Co. LPA to help you address your legal rights and obligations. To speak to a skilled family attorney today, contact us at (419) 625-7770 for a free consultation.
How to Successfully Co-Parent During the Summer
The days are long, and school is out. Without the regular schedule in place, you may need to make some adjustments and work with your child’s other parent about co-parenting matters. Some important factors to discuss include:
Coordinating Schedules Early On
It’s best to start planning for your summer with the kids as soon as possible to solidify dates for vacations, camp, holidays, birthdays, and other important family events. Talk to your child’s other parent about the dates that are important to you and get help with negotiating the co-parenting schedule as necessary. Also, bear in mind that your idea of co-parenting during the summer should not conflict with your child’s natural impulses to have fun at this time of year. Taking children away from their friends for an extended vacation could lead to stress.
Communicating and Getting Input
Children should have some say in how they spend their time in a shared parenting arrangement, so you need to keep the lines of communication open to hear their feelings. Encourage your kids to express any feelings and thoughts to provide input on the co-parenting arrangement, where age-appropriate.
Being Flexible for the Unexpected
As much as you try to plan for co-parenting during the summer, disruptions to the schedule are inevitable. Be flexible and understanding and avoid placing blame. Consider any cancellation as an opportunity for spontaneous experiences when the time is right.
Make Your Summer Memorable
Above all else, your primary objective in sharing the summer with your child is to make it unforgettable. Regardless of your relationship with your child’s parent, you get approximately 18 summers to share with your kid. Never underestimate the ways you can make this time special.
Consult with Ohio Child Custody Lawyers About Co-Parenting Issues
Disputes over child custody and visitation are complicated from a personal standpoint, but they’re even more challenging if you try to take on complex co-parenting issues on your own. Emotions can cloud judgment, and you may not fully understand your legal rights.
At Kademenos, Wisehart, Hines, Dolyk & Wright Co. LPA, our Ohio child custody lawyers are here to provide the support you need when faced with difficult issues, whether they involve co-parenting during the summer or any other time of year. Contact our office at (419) 625-7770 to discuss your circumstances and what we can do for you during a no-cost case assessment.