Top tips on summer holiday child arrangements (+free consent letter generator)

The summer holidays are fast approaching, and it is a time when both parents may want to make the most of the sunshine and enjoy quality time with their child. However, when those parents are separated or divorced, challenges arise when there is no plan in place for when each parent will enjoy time with their child.

Consider What is Best for the Child

The first consideration to making child arrangements is what is in the best interests of the child.

Parents are encouraged to resolve the arrangements between themselves and if arrangements are made in advance, this provides certainty to each parent and the child.

However, where the parental relationship has broken down, a family solicitor or mediator may need to be explored for child arrangements to be put in place.

Shared Care During School Holidays

The time to be shared between the parents may not always be on an equal basis but it is still important that contact is maintained. Contact time is based on the circumstances of each case and may also depend on each parents work commitments during the school holidays.

All family structures are different, so what works for one family may not work for another. An example for 50/50 shared care during the summer holidays could look like the below, with Wednesday being the day the child moves between households:

• Friday to Wednesday with Parent A
• Wednesday to Sunday with Parent B

This approach can also work for a 1-week half term where parent A collects the child from school on Friday and parent B returns the child to school on the Monday following the half term holiday.

We recommend that you speak to one of our family lawyers to consider what arrangements may work for you.

If You Can’t Agree: Solicitor Negotiations or Mediation

If arrangements cannot be made between the parents via informal discussions, the next step may be to contact a family solicitor. Family solicitors will assist in negotiating arrangements between the parents or may refer the parents to mediation. Mediation is where a neutral third party will encourage discussions and assist the parents in agreeing child arrangements which work for everyone.

Court Applications for Child Contact

If discussions between the parents or mediation are unsuccessful, the parent who would like additional contact with their child may make an application to the Family Court with a view to obtaining a Child Arrangements Order.

A child arrangements order is a legally enforceable order which determines who the child is to live and spend time with. These orders can include summer holiday arrangements and arrangements for the child to enjoy a holiday in the UK or abroad with each parent.

Taking a Child Abroad for Holidays

In the summer months it is tempting to jet away for family time in the sun. However, a child cannot be taken out of the UK without the other parent’s written consent, unless there is a ‘lives with’ Child Arrangements Order in favour of the travelling parent.

To avoid issues at passport control:

• Give reasonable notice of the holiday to the other parent
• Share flight and accommodation details to the other parent
• Obtain written consent from the other parent in advance

Template letter providing consent to the other parent taking the child abroad

We have created a template letter for consent below, or feel free to use our generator to enter all your details and generate your personalised letter. This is available for download in a word document in the click of a button.

Please note, we cannot see what you enter here, nor do we store any of the information shared.

Letter Generator

Non-Travelling Parent Name: Address: Child’s Full Name: Child’s DOB: Passport Number: Country of Travel: Other Parent is: Mother Father Travelling Parent’s Name: Start Date: End Date: Telephone Number: Generate Letter

Download as Word Document

Example Issue: What Happens When There Is No Evidence Of Consent

A major issue can arise where the parent who is taking the child out of the country does not obtain a consent letter from the other parent to take the child abroad.

This has previously arisen in a case where a mother did not obtain the father’s consent, she was stopped at passport control and had to telephone the father to gain his consent to the children leaving the jurisdiction.

Getting through the airport with children can be stressful enough, but by ensuring that you have the correct documentation detailing the other parent’s consent can alleviate some of that stress.

Maintaining Contact With The Other Parent During The Holiday

You may consider arranging indirect contact with the child and parent who is not on the holiday by way of a telephone conversation. The child will miss the other parent and will want to tell them about all the fun they are having on holiday.

How Napthens Supports Families’ Child Holiday Arrangements

If you would like to make arrangements through solicitors to obtain the other parent’s consent to taking the child on holiday and arrange indirect contact during that holiday period, contact Napthens for help and advice.

Our Top Tips For Getting Consent From The Other Parent When Taking A Child On Holiday Abroad

1. Consider the best interests of the child
2. Remain amicable with the other parent if possible
3. Obtain consent from the other parent to taking the child away on holiday abroad
4. If the other parent is not forthcoming with agreeing child arrangements, consider consulting a family solicitor