Parenting Time and Holiday Traveling: How Summer Break Impacts Child Custody

As schools close for the summer, parenting schedules often shift just as quickly as the weather. For divorced or separated parents, this often raises questions about how summer break impacts existing child custody orders. Whether you are planning a vacation, adjusting childcare arrangements, or hoping for extended time with your child, it is important to understand how Arizona courts approach summer parenting time. And, if your current parenting plan is vague or outdated, it may be time to consider legal steps to update it. 

Most Arizona parenting plans include specific provisions for summer break. These arrangements may allow each parent extended time with the children, divide the summer evenly between both parents, or stick closely to the regular school-year schedule with slight adjustments. 

However, if your parenting plan is vague or silent on summer break, or if you and your co-parent disagree on how to handle summer schedules, it may be time to consider a modification. A modification for parenting time generally needs to be made through a formal legal channel. If you and your co-parent verbally agree to a different summer schedule, that agreement can cause problems, especially if one parent later changes their mind and/or refuses to follow through.

Summer break can be a great opportunity for children to build strong relationships with both parents—but only if parenting plans are clear, fair, and followed. If you’re unsure how your current plan applies or need help modifying a custody arrangement, it’s wise to consult with a family law attorney before conflicts arise.

If you have questions about summer parenting time or custody modifications in Arizona, contact us here at Paradise Valley Family Law or call us at 480-498-3175.