Summer break opens the door to longer trips and more time together, but shared custody adds structure to that freedom. You cannot just pick dates that work for you — your parenting schedule determines when you can travel and what steps you need to take before making plans. To keep things smooth, you need to treat vacation time like any other part of your custody agreement: clearly planned, properly communicated and legally sound.
Review what your custody order says
Start by looking at your current parenting plan or custody order. Some schedules include designated vacation time, often giving each parent a set number of days to travel each year. Others fold vacations into the regular parenting rotation, which means you must travel during your assigned time unless the other parent agrees to adjust. Before you make plans, read the order closely to identify any limits on how far or how long you can travel with your child.
Notify the other parent as early as possible
Even when your custody order does not require advance notice, the court still expects you to act reasonably and communicate major plans early. Let the other parent know your intended dates, destination and any key details they need, like your contact number, return date or lodging information. When you share these details up front, you avoid misunderstandings and keep both sides focused on the child, not the calendar.
Put any changes or agreements in writing
Even when things feel cooperative, custody disputes often start with verbal agreements that no one recorded. If you and the other parent agree to trade weekends or extend your parenting time for the trip, write it down. Send a message, create a note in a parenting app or confirm by email — as long as you leave a record that shows what you both agreed to and when.
Keep the trip centered on your child’s needs
Use the vacation to strengthen your time with your child, not to disrupt their routine or interfere with the other parent’s time. If your plans push into the other parent’s time, change exchanges or create extra stress for your child, the court may consider the trip unreasonable — regardless of your intentions. Focus on comfort, consistency and what your child will enjoy, not on comparison or control.
When plans are clear, vacations feel easier
You can absolutely take your child on vacation during the summer, but you need to plan around your parenting schedule with care. When you review your custody order, give early notice and confirm everything in writing, you give yourself the space to actually enjoy the trip — not stress about what might go wrong. So if you are looking ahead to summer, start with your calendar and your agreement. The rest will fall into place.