This article was originally published in North East Living.

School holidays can be stressful for separated parents. But they don’t have to be. Setting clear expectations, communicating clearly and putting an agreement in writing can take the stress away.

Lucy Adams, family lawyer at Teesside-based Knights, explains.

The role of a lawyer is often to assist parents, with a constructive route, to a achieve a positive outcome for the children.

Parents often struggle with co-parenting during the school holidays. The shifting demands that the holidays bring can cause friction.

And the advice to families that turn to Knights for support is so often the same.

First, plan ahead. Don’t leave difficult decisions until the last minute. There are holidays, work commitments, family, friends and all sorts of other things to consider.

Work out a structure. Are you going to alternate weeks? Split the holiday in half? Have defined holidays that you each cover? These are all questions to consider, and agree, with a co-parent.

Consider the bigger picture. Ultimately parents want their child to know that they both want to spend positive periods time with them. It’s not a battle. At least, it doesn’t have to be.

Communicate clearly with each other. If you’re able to have an open dialogue, it always helps. But we know that’s not always possible, in which case you may want to consider mediation. That’s a voluntary process, conducted by an independent mediator to reach an amicable outcome.

Check before you go overseas. You should have the express permission of everyone with parental responsibility before taking a child overseas if you live in England and Wales. Some international borders even ask to see it in writing. It is often worthwhile obtaining a permission letter from the other parent in advance of the proposed holiday.  

To make the school holiday period work for you, it’s a good idea to put your agreement in writing, with the help of a specialist family law solicitor.

Many of our Knights family team are members of Resolution – an independent organisation committed to the constructive resolution of family disputes.

And I have an advanced Law Society Family Law Accreditation in Children Matters.

So, no matter what you need, we’ll be able to help overcome the stresses of co-parenting in the holidays.

For a confidential chat, get in touch with Lucy Adams by emailing Lucy.Adams@knightsplc.com or calling 01642 636573.