Sharing parenting time is one of the biggest challenges of being a co-parent. Sharing parenting time over the school week may require the coordination of several different schedules. Planning your shared parenting time over school breaks complicates matters one step further. Making provisions for parenting time over school breaks in your separation agreement can ensure your child’s breaks are well planned for. This can allow them to make the most of their time off from school while you make the most of your parenting time.

Shared parenting time can be outlined in your separation agreement. A common parenting time schedule involves the child living with one parent during the school week with the other parent taking the child every, or every other weekend. This arrangement works well for many families on a day-to-day basis. This schedule is disrupted when school is out. Nevertheless, you and your spouse will have to figure out how to share your parenting time over school breaks.

You can divide your shared parenting time however you like over school breaks, provided the schedule is in the best interests of your child. This can be an opportunity for the parent without primary physical custody to spend more time with their child. This may not be feasible for everyone. You can also simply follow the same schedule you use while school is in session. Or, if you plan on traveling with your child, you and your spouse can alternate having your child for entire school breaks.

Shared physical custody of a child is generally best for their healthy development. It may be challenging to work out a good schedule while your child is not in school, especially if childcare will be an issue. You should make alternative plans for your child if you and your spouse cannot be with them during the day. Discuss your options and cost-sharing arrangements. You should include provisions for activities and/or childcare during breaks in your separation agreement to minimize conflict.

Consult with an experienced Massachusetts divorce mediator if you have questions about addressing parenting time schedules in mediation. Your shared parenting time is important to you and your family. The arrangement you and your spouse work out needs to be in your child’s best interests and must be feasible. Consistency is important to a child after a divorce, so it is important you find an arrangement that suits your family’s needs and that you can follow. A good mediator can assist you and your spouse with negotiating the arrangement that works for your family

Do you have questions about how to divide your parenting time? If so, Mediation Advantage Services can help you. Experienced in complex divorce mediation Law Office of Polly Tatum can help you and your spouse make effective co-parenting decisions during mediation. Based in historic Worcester with a satellite office in Northboro, MA, our firm serves all cities and towns throughout Massachusetts and Worcester County including, Auburn, Paxton, Leicester, Sutton, Grafton, Shrewsbury, Westboro, Northboro, Southboro, Holden, Sterling, Princeton, Worcester, Charlton, Millbury, Dudley, Spencer, Brookfield, Sudbury, Natick, Framingham, Hopkinton, Milford, Blackstone, Leominster, Fitchburg, Acton, Jefferson, Barre, Oakham, Cambridge, Newton, Marlboro, Lancaster, Bolton, and Hudson. Call our office at (508) 466-4734, fill out our online form, or email us at info@mediationadvantage.com today to schedule your Complimentary Mediation Success Planning Session. You can also sign up for our eNewsletter or download our free e-book for more information regarding divorce in Massachusetts.