The idea of a family vacation as a newly divorced parent can be exciting, but there are a few things to consider before catching a flight and leaving the state of Utah with your children.
For many divorced parents after a tiresome and exhaustive divorce, the best way to alleviate stress and attempt to move on is to go on a family vacation with the children. However, many things could go wrong if you are not wise enough when planning a family vacation as a divorced parent.
“In many cases, divorced parents have to work out the details of vacations that involve children through court intervention, while in some cases, divorced parents can amicably come to a consensus without having to bring the court into all this,” says our Salt Lake City divorce attorneyEmy A. Cordano. If you are in the second group of divorced parents, consider yourself lucky.
For all those stuck in the first group, where you need to spend sleepless nights trying to negotiate the details of a family vacation through the court intervention, there are a few things to consider before going on a family vacation as a divorced parent.
Seeking consent from the other parent to go on a vacation
More likely than not, your divorce decree makes it clear that you and the other parent cannot leave the state or go on a vacation with the children without seeking the other parent’s permission. If you have this kind of provision in your divorce order, planning your family vacation as a divorced parent will become much more complicated (contact our experienced divorce attorney in Salt Lake City to help you interpret and explain provisions in your divorce decree).
Even if you have successfully obtained consent from your ex-spouse, it does not mean that there is nothing else to worry about when going on a family vacation after divorce.
For all those parents who have never spent vacations or holidays with their children without the other parent, the idea of planning a family vacation can seem frightening. You need to understand that as a divorced parent on a family vacation with your kids, you are being solely responsible for your children on your own. If you have never taken your children out of state without the help of the other parent during your marriage, it can be a huge responsibility for a newly divorced parent to spend a family vacation as a divorced parent.
How to plan a family vacation as a divorced parent in Utah
“Here’s a useful piece of advice for any divorced parent planning a family vacation with his or her children for the first time: speak to your friend, family member, or relative who is also a single parent,” advises our Salt Lake City divorce lawyer. You will most certainly need help in booking flights, booking a hotel room or vacation rental as well as creating a travel plan for your family vacation.
Do not be afraid to ask for help or advice to ensure that your family vacation goes smoothly. The last thing you would want is something bad to happen to you or your child during the vacation just because you were careless, reckless, inattentive, or negligent. Do keep in mind that your every mistake or mishap during the family vacation may be used against you by the other parent to take away your child custody rights.
Before taking your children on a family vacation after divorce, speak to an experienced divorce lawyer in Salt Lake City or elsewhere in Utah. Get a legal consultation today by contacting Emy A. Cordano. Call at (801) 901-8159.