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Enjoying All Aspects of the Season
If you are divorced and have children, the holiday season can be a tricky time. You may be wondering if you can take your child on a trip within your custody arrangement. The answer depends on several factors, so it is best to speak with an attorney before making any decisions. In this blog, we will discuss holiday travel with children in light of a child custody order. We will also provide some tips for making things go as smoothly as possible during this time!
Traveling Over the Holidays
The holiday season is upon us, which leaves the question of holiday travel with children. If you have a child custody order in place in either Oregon or Washington, keep these in mind when planning your holiday travel:
Consult the Parenting Plan
The first step you should take is to consult your parenting plan or custody order to see what the holiday schedule looks like. In many cases, each parent will have the child on alternating holidays. However, there may be some flexibility built into the schedule depending on the needs of the family. If you already have holiday travel plans, it’s important to give the other parent as much notice as possible so they can adjust their plans for their holiday time with the child.
Get Permission from the Other Parent
If you are planning to travel out of state or even out of the country, you will need the other parent to provide written permission. This is generally done through a formal parenting plan or custody order. However, if you do not have a formal plan in place, you can still get permission by having the other parent sign a travel consent form. This form should include all the details of your trip, such as where you’re going, how long you’ll be gone, and who will be making decisions for the child while you’re away.
Be Prepared
Keep in mind that holiday travel can be stressful for children, so it’s important to make sure they are prepared for the trip. This means packing their favorite items, such as a stuffed animal or blanket, and making sure they have all the necessary clothes and medications. If you’re traveling by plane, it’s also a good idea to get a travel pillow for them to use during the flight.
Get Help from a Custody Attorney
If you are having challenges related to your custody order and need assistance, know that the team at Pacific Cascade Legal is here for you. We know how important it is to spend time with your children, especially during times such as the holiday season. We are committed to advocating for a better life for you and your children.
Learn more about how we can help or schedule a consultation by calling (888) 981-9511 or by visiting our website.