In a California divorce, holiday and vacation parenting plans are crucial to ensure that both parents can spend meaningful time with their children during special occasions, such as holidays and school breaks, while also minimizing conflict. Since holidays are often times of family traditions and celebrations, these plans are designed to provide structure and flexibility in the child’s visitation schedule.
Here’s how holiday and vacation parenting plans generally work in California, along with common examples:
1. Holiday Parenting Plans
A holiday parenting plan typically specifies how major holidays will be shared between parents. Holidays can be a source of tension, so it’s important to create a clear plan that both parents can agree upon, keeping the child’s best interests in mind.
Common Holiday Parenting Plan Guidelines:
- Alternating Holidays: In many cases, parents alternate holidays each year. For example, one parent may have the child for Christmas one year, and the other parent will have the child the following year.
- Dividing Holidays: If parents want the child to spend time with both parents on the same holiday (e.g., for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day), the day can be split, with one parent having the child for part of the day and the other parent having the child for the rest of the day.
- Long Weekends: Special holidays like Labor Day, Memorial Day, and Thanksgiving may also be alternated or split.
- Non-Religious Holidays: In California, the holiday schedule can also include non-religious holidays, like Halloween, Valentine’s Day, or the child’s birthday. Each parent may get one or more of these days in alternate years.
Examples of Common Holiday Parenting Plans:
- Christmas:
- Year 1: Parent A has the child for Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) and Christmas Day (Dec. 25).
- Year 2: Parent B has the child for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
- If both parents live close, the parents might agree to a split (e.g., Parent A has the child for Christmas Eve dinner, and Parent B has the child Christmas Day morning and lunch).
- Thanksgiving:
- Parent A has the child on Thanksgiving Day (from noon to evening) in one year, while Parent B has the child the following year.
- Alternating years or splitting the day into morning/afternoon sessions.
- New Year’s Eve/New Year’s Day:
- Year 1: Parent A has the child for New Year’s Eve and Parent B has the child on New Year’s Day.
- Year 2: The parents swap days.
- Other Holidays (Halloween, Easter, etc.):
- Each parent alternates who gets the child on Halloween, Easter, or the child’s birthday each year.
2. Vacation Parenting Plans
Vacation time is another key element in a holiday and parenting plan, especially for longer periods during school breaks. Vacation time can be used for family trips, time away, or extended visits with extended family members. To minimize disruption to the child’s routine and avoid conflicts, vacation time must be well defined in the parenting agreement.
Common Vacation Parenting Plan Guidelines:
- Summer Vacation: In California, summer vacation is typically the longest break during the year, and many parents agree to share time equally. One parent may take a longer block of time (e.g., two weeks) while the other parent takes another block.
- Winter/Spring Breaks: These breaks are often split, with one parent taking one half of the break and the other parent taking the other half. Parents may agree to alternate every year or share the time more equally.
- Traveling Parent: If one parent wants to take the child on a vacation out of state or overseas, they will typically need to give the other parent reasonable notice. A parenting plan may outline how far in advance this must be communicated and what steps need to be taken to ensure both parents are comfortable with the travel.
Examples of Common Vacation Parenting Plans:
- Summer Break:
- Parent A has the child for the first half of the summer break (e.g., June 1 – July 15).
- Parent B has the child for the second half of the summer break (e.g., July 16 – August 31).
- If parents live close to each other, they might agree to have the child spend half the summer with one parent and then half with the other. Parents can also rotate who gets the first half each year.
- Winter Break (between Christmas and New Year’s):
- The parents could alternate the Winter Break each year, with one parent having the child for Christmas and the other for New Year’s.
- Alternatively, parents could divide the winter break into two parts (e.g., Parent A gets Christmas Eve to New Year’s Eve, and Parent B gets New Year’s Day to the end of the break).
- Spring Break:
- Spring Break could be split equally (e.g., Parent A has the child for the first half, and Parent B has the child for the second half). Alternatively, parents may alternate who gets Spring Break each year.
- Extended Vacation Time (Out of State or Overseas Travel):
- If Parent A plans to take the child on an international vacation, the plan may require 30 days’ notice before the planned departure. Additionally, the parent traveling must provide detailed information about the trip, including travel dates, itinerary, contact details, and any potential impact on school attendance.
- The non-traveling parent may be allowed to have extended time with the child before or after the trip, depending on the circumstances and the child’s needs.
3. General Tips for Holiday and Vacation Parenting Plans in California Divorce
- Communicate Clearly and Early: Parents should communicate well in advance about their plans for holidays and vacations, especially when they involve significant travel or potential scheduling conflicts.
- Use a Shared Calendar: A shared digital calendar (like Google Calendar or a co-parenting app) can help both parents stay informed about upcoming holidays, travel plans, and special events. This makes coordination easier and reduces misunderstandings.
- Be Flexible: Although a set schedule is important, flexibility is key. If one parent needs to change plans due to a work obligation or personal circumstances, both parents should be willing to discuss and adjust the holiday schedule in good faith.
- Prioritize the Child’s Well-being: Ensure that the holiday and vacation schedule minimizes stress and disruption to the child’s routine. This includes considering the child’s emotional needs, school schedule, and any special events they may want to attend.
- Be Fair: The holiday and vacation time should be divided as fairly as possible, ensuring that both parents get quality time with the child during important occasions. If you alternate major holidays each year, that can ensure both parents feel equally involved.
4. Sample Holiday and Vacation Parenting Plan (Example)
Holiday Plan:
- Christmas:
- Year 1: Parent A has the child for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
- Year 2: Parent B has the child for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
- Thanksgiving:
- Year 1: Parent A has the child for Thanksgiving Day (Thursday).
- Year 2: Parent B has the child for Thanksgiving Day.
- New Year’s:
- Parent A has the child for New Year’s Eve, Parent B has the child for New Year’s Day (split).
- Halloween:
- Year 1: Parent A has the child for Halloween.
- Year 2: Parent B has the child for Halloween.
Vacation Plan:
- Summer:
- Parent A has the child from June 1 to July 15.
- Parent B has the child from July 16 to August 31.
- Spring Break:
- Parent A has the child for the first half of Spring Break.
- Parent B has the child for the second half.
- Winter Break:
- Parent A has the child for Christmas to New Year’s Eve.
- Parent B has the child from New Year’s Day to the end of the break.
In conclusion, holiday and vacation parenting plans in California divorce cases should prioritize the child’s well-being and provide a clear structure for both parents to enjoy meaningful time with their child during holidays and school breaks. Flexibility, communication, and fairness are key to reducing conflict and ensuring a positive co-parenting experience.
