Planning a vacation in New Jersey should be an exciting experience. Whether you are planning to travel domestically or internationally, it is always a thrill to create itineraries, book your hotels, and plan out daily adventures. If you are a parent, you may also see this as a potential bonding experience with your young ones. But what happens if you share custody with your ex? How do you plan out vacations effectively and avoid custody issues?
Always Get Permission Before Taking Your Kids on Vacation
Generally speaking, it is always a good idea to get your ex’s permission before you take your kids on vacation. Even if you are simply taking them to a different county for a camping trip, this simple step can minimize disputes, confusion, and miscommunication. If your ex tries to contact you and there is no answer, they might become alarmed. This might lead to the authorities being notified if you are not careful.
If you plan to take your kids across state borders, permission becomes even more important. International travel without permission may lead to especially serious charges, including kidnapping. Remember, kidnapping is a felony and can result in many years behind bars.
Can My Ex Really Stop Me From Taking My Kids on Vacation?
Your ex may have the power to prevent you from going on vacation with your kids. This is especially true if you share legal or physical custody. Your ex might also have sole physical custody, which means that the children should be staying with them most of the time. Generally speaking, parents who share legal custody must agree upon all major child-raising decisions. This means that they essentially have “veto” power over major decisions like vacations.
Even if your ex objects to a vacation, this does not necessarily mean that their objections will be respected by the court. You will have the opportunity to petition the court to approve your vacation, and this may allow you to move forward with the planned trip despite your ex’s objections.
Creating a Custody Agreement that Takes Vacations Into Account
It is always best to account for vacation-related disputes as you create your custody agreement. Settling these disputes before they actually occur minimizes stress for the entire family, including your children. For example, you might agree with your ex on specific dates that vacations are allowed. You might also agree with your ex on how much advance notice should be given before you take vacations with your children. Various other details may be included in these agreements. You might state that if your ex takes your children on a vacation for two weeks, you get to keep them for two uninterrupted weeks upon their return.
Where Can I Find a Custody Attorney in New Jersey?
If you have been searching for an experienced custody attorney in New Jersey, look no further than Giro, LLP, Attorneys at Law. Over the years, we have helped numerous parents throughout the Garden State as they fight for their rights. Planning a vacation may be much easier if you consult with an attorney first. Whether you need to modify your agreement or simply fight for your rights as a parent, you are not alone. Book your consultation with us today to get started with an effective action plan.