What is summer visitation for non custodial parent? As parents, summer vacations most often conjure images of family time spent together; however, for families where one parent has sole custody and the child is spending extended time in one household or living arrangement, summer visitation can present many challenges for both custodial and non-custodial parents.
Visitation with a non-custodial parent must be considered carefully to ensure that it fits into the larger parental plan concerning their children’s health, safety, wellbeing and development. As an attorney or lawyer charged with structuring such arrangements between parties involved in court decisions regarding guardianship or custody matters, understanding what types of visitation options should be included during this season will help you better protect your clients’ best interests.
Keep on reading for summer visitation for non custodial parent.
What is Summer Visitation for Non-Custodial Parent?
Summer visitation is a period of allotted time that non-custodial parents have to spend with their children. This could be anything from a few hours over the summer months, a weekend, or even an extended trip away together. The summer visitation plan should be tailored to the individual family’s needs and preferences in order to create an optimal summer experience for all involved.
What are Considerations When Planning Summer Visitation?
When planning summer visitation for non custodial parent and their children, several factors should be taken into consideration. These include:
1. How much summer time the custodial parent has available to share with the non-custodial parent.
2. The summer activities that the child would like to participate in with both parents.
3. The physical and emotional needs of the child and potential impact of summer visitation on their overall wellbeing.
4. Any relevant travel restrictions or parental agreements regarding location, duration, and supervision during summer visitation periods.
5. Any summer camps, sports activities, or other events that the child may be enrolled in and wants to attend with their non-custodial parent.
When is Summer Visitation for Non-Custodial Parent?
The non-custodial parent is given thirty days of continuous or extended possession over the summer season, and must provide written notification to the custodial parent no later than April 1st indicating when they will be exercising these 30 days.
The 30 days may be taken consecutively or divided into two separate blocks, each of which must last at least seven days. If notice is not sent by April 1st, the summer period will start on July 1st and end on July 31st. Timely communication aside, both phases of possession commence and conclude at 6:00 p.m.
Notably, the extra summertime custody is in addition to the average 1st, 3rd and 5th weekend days for non-custodial parents.
What If One Parent Has An Expanded Standard Possession Order?
Although the notices and beginning and end times remain unaltered in an Expanded Standard Possession Order, there are slight modifications to the possession time length.
For the non-custodial parent, an Expanded Standard Possession Order allows for up to 42 days of summer visitation. This must be divided into two separate periods with each being at least seven days long. If notification is not given by April 1st, then that same period will become June 15th – July 27th as a default timeframe.
If the non-custodial parent has extended summer possession that exceeds 30 days, then the custodial parent is allowed to select two separate weekends instead of one for their own period with the child(ren). This option mirrors what a Standard Possession Order would typically allow.
To ensure this opportunity remains available, it’s essential for the custodial parent to provide notification no later than April 15th; otherwise, they may have waived any potential weekend possessions during that time.
As extended summer custody, the custodial parent can select 21 days when the non-custodial parent may not take possession of the child(ren). However, this is only allowed if they provide notice of those dates by April 15th and that these times do not interfere with their own extended summer custody.
How to Prep Your Kids for Summer Visitation for Non Custodial Parent
1. Take the time to arrange an organizing session with your former partner.
Before having any summer visitation for non custodial parent, you need to schedule with your ex first.
Although it may be tricky to have a friendly dialogue with your ex if you don’t get along, making an effort to communicate positively can benefit your children. If both parents strive for beneficial co-parenting relations, the kids will reap the rewards in the long run.
To create a harmonious environment, it is important to form an agreement on household rules and expectations for behavior. It’s perfectly acceptable if your ex has different approaches when it comes to minor issues (i.e., having dessert post dinner each night at their house versus weekends only for yours), but by coming together on the major topics, you can both maintain peace in your home.
If it has been a while since your ex visited the children, or they don’t normally spend much time with them, make sure to bring them up to speed on all of the progress that’s happened in their lives over this past year!
Share any new teenage habits such as bedtimes and dietary preferences. Afterall, being informed is key – so update your ex before meeting back up with the kids again.
2. Monitor your demeanor, as it can have a colossal impact on how your kids perceive the circumstances.
Earlier in this article, I discussed the fact that it is normal for your children to feel unease about having to spend time away from their home.
When these conversations arise, make sure you take the time to hear out your child’s worries and then try to provide a positive rationale for visiting the other parent.
3. Encourage your children to express their feelings, but make sure these conversations don’t become a place for complaints and dissatisfaction.
If you feel that your children could benefit from speaking to a therapist, it is advised to go for some sessions with a mental health specialist.
In addition, gathering together with other families who have experienced similar hardships can be immensely beneficial. This allows the entire family to gain knowledge and insight from those who have overcome obstacles like these before them.
4. Encourage your children to understand that there is nothing wrong with having different rules between the two households.
Point out to your kids that, although each of their teachers had distinct classroom rules, all the school policies remained consistent. Talk with them about both the advantages and disadvantages this brought when it happened in the past, and explain how they will likely experience something similar throughout life too.
Don’t forget to emphasize that you expect them to follow the rules at your ex’s place, just like they would abide by yours.
5. It is essential to prepare your children for the fact that you will both miss each other, but this offers a valuable chance to demonstrate how to handle these emotions.
Allocate specific time in your daily calendar to stay connected with your child through regular phone calls. Determine the length of each call ahead of time, so that you can ensure quality conversations and make meaningful connections.
Help your child foster a healthy relationship with their other parent by providing them the opportunity to openly discuss their emotions. While it’s true that somebody else may not respond in precisely the same way as you would, it can still be beneficial for your kid to express themselves and receive support from both sides of parents.
Even if your child is relatively young, make sure to send a source of comfort with them. Maybe it’s their favorite stuffed animal or pillow, or even a beloved blanket — anything that can provide an extra layer of familiarity in unfamiliar surroundings. It’ll bring peace and assurance for both you and your little one!
6. Empower your children with the knowledge and skills necessary to handle any situation when they are at their other parent’s home, no matter how fearful or uncertain they may be.
Let your child know that it is alright to express their emotions and worries with the other parent. Moreover, ensure they take along some of their favorite items or activities for entertainment when visiting the ex’s home.
7. Avoid emphasizing the exciting activities you will undertake while they are away, as this may evoke feelings of jealousy or resentment.
While it’s understandable that you may have plans while your kids are absent, it wouldn’t be reasonable to make them feel like they should prefer being with you over their other parent.
Inform your children of the changes that are coming, but also emphasize all of the exciting activities they’ll be able to experience with their other parent.
FAQs
Is it the standard visitation for non custodial parents different from states?
Yes. The summer visitation for non custodial parents may differ from state to state. It is important to be aware of the specific summer visitation laws in your area, as they are subject to change over time.
Are there any resources available for summer visits?
Yes. There are a number of online and offline resources that can provide assistance and guidance for summer visits. These include counseling services, support groups and summer programs that can help families navigate summer visitation arrangements. Additionally, many states provide court-mandated summer visitation guidelines as well.
Are there any strategies to make summer visits easier?
Yes. There are a number of strategies you can employ to make summer visits easier for both you and your children. These include helping your child feel comfortable in the new environment, communicating regularly with the other parent, and providing your child with a source of comfort while they are away.
Additionally, try to avoid emphasizing exciting activities you will do while your kids are away, as this can evoke feelings of jealousy or resentment. Instead, focus on the fun things your kids will be doing with their other parent.
Conclusion
Summer visitation for non custodial parent can be an emotionally trying time, but with the right support and preparation it can be a positive experience. Whether you are new to summer visits or have had them for years, make sure to research your state’s summer visitation laws and take advantage of any available resources.
Additionally, consider strategies such as staying in touch with your child and providing them with a source of comfort, to make summer visits as comfortable as possible.
With these tips, summer visitation can be an opportunity for kids to learn and grow while still feeling connected to both parents.
