School Summer Holidays After Separation: Keeping Children at the Centre

The school summer holidays should be a happy and relaxed time for children — a break from school routines, homework and early mornings. For separated parents, however, the long holiday period can sometimes bring additional worries and disagreements about arrangements for the children.

Questions often arise about how the children will spend time with each parent, whether one parent can take the children abroad, how handovers will work, and what happens if plans cannot be agreed. These issues can be stressful for parents, but they can also be unsettling for children, particularly if they feel caught in the middle.

Where possible, it is always best for parents to make holiday arrangements early and to keep discussions child-focused. Children benefit from knowing what is happening, where they will be staying, and when they will see each parent. Clear communication and practical planning can help avoid last-minute disputes and reduce anxiety for everyone involved.

Taking a child abroad can be a particular concern for separated parents. Depending on the circumstances, a parent may need the other parent’s consent before travelling abroad with a child. If consent is refused, or if there are concerns that a child may be taken abroad without agreement, legal steps can be taken to resolve the issue and protect the child’s welfare.

We can assist parents who are:

• hoping to take their child abroad for a holiday;
• concerned about a proposed trip abroad;
• worried that travel may take place without their agreement;
• unsure whether written consent is required;
• experiencing difficulties obtaining or returning a child’s passport.

The summer holidays can also raise wider questions about how children divide their time between separated parents. Some families already have a clear routine or a court order in place. Others may need help agreeing arrangements that work during the longer school break.

We can help with practical and child-focused arrangements, including:

• holiday contact schedules;
• sharing school holiday time fairly;
• arrangements for handovers;
• communication during holidays;
• resolving disagreements where existing arrangements are unclear;
• applying to the court where agreement cannot be reached.

Every family is different, but the focus should always be on what is best for the child. Children should be able to enjoy their summer holidays without feeling responsible for adult disagreements. With early planning and clear advice, many disputes can be resolved before they become overwhelming.

If you are separated and are worried about arrangements for your child during the summer holidays, whether in relation to travel abroad or time spent with each parent, our family law team can help you understand your options and work towards a solution that puts your child first. We offer 30mins free initial advice.

📩 mbh@wigansolicitors.com
📞 01942 206060 www.wigansolicitors.com