Frequently parents come to me with emergencies. Often, these emergencies could have been predicted and prepared for months ago. For example, Sam decides in February to take the child to Europe for a vacation on July 1st and buys the tickets but does not obtain a passport or review the requirements until June 15th. After reviewing the decree, Sam realizes that they needed to provide a written request 90 days prior to the proposed travel and obtain the written consent of the other parent, Pat (not to mention to obtain the passport). Sam asks Pat on June 15th if they can take the child on the trip and Pat says no. A review of Sam and Pat’s order shows that Sam has to submit the issue to the parenting consultant prior to bringing a motion. Obviously, without Pat agreeing, it will be nearly impossible for Sam to take the child to Europe on July 1st.

These types of situations come up frequently. Instead of rushing, which results in increased cost and stress, preparation is key. Every season has issues, some more or less important. While not all of the issues will be relevant to every co-parenting situation and each situation is different, below is a list of common issues that come up by season. Reviewing the list will help you be ready for situations before they become emergencies or stresses on the co-parenting relationship and will provide you with adequate time, in many situations,to deal with the issue.

Considerations moving into Spring Co-Parenting (review in January):

Spring break-If you are intending to travel during Spring break, consult your order to review notification provisions (when and how notice must be given and the relevant content of the notice) to your co-parent.
Planning summer international travel-If you are planning an international trip with your
child, review your order regarding international travel requirements (when, how, and if notice must be given, the content of the notice, and any alternative dispute resolution requirements if co-parent does not agree to travel).
Modification of parenting time for the next school year-If you are considering requesting additional regular parenting time, review order regarding process and requirements.
Changes in school placement-If you are either unhappy with the school your child is attending or your child is graduating to go to a new school (i.e. going from elementary school to middle school) start researching potential schools and share this information with your co-parent.
Mother’s and Father’s Day gifts-Help your child remember to get your co-parent a Mother’s or Father’s Day gift.
Tax issues-Review order regarding tax issues relating to your child including which parent claims the child as a dependant. If your order does not specify, consider addressing it.
College search-If your child is in their junior year, discuss college visits with your co-parent and costs.

Considerations moving into Summer Co-Parenting (review in March):

Summer vacation-If you are intending to travel during the summer, consult your order to review notification provisions (when and how notice must be given and the content of the notice), if any, to your co-parent.
Summer parenting time-Review order to determine when summer parenting time starts and what the schedule is.
Summer activities and camps-Communicate with your co-parent regarding proposed summer camps and activities and the allocation of cost..
Summer school and tutoring-If your child struggled with school, consider discussing summer school or summer tutoring with your co-parent.
Summer parenting time transportation-Review order to determine if travel provisions will be appropriate for your current situation.
Summer daycare-Obtain costs for summer daycare and determine if there needs to be a modification in child care support.

Considerations moving into Fall Co-Parenting (review in July):

ACT/SAT-if your child is a junior in high school, discuss ACT/SAT prep classes with your co-parent.
School supplies and clothing-Talk to your co-parent regarding school supplies and additional clothing that your child needs for the school year and allocate purchases between both of you.
Sport and school physicals and vaccinations-Determine if any physicals or vaccinations your child needs for the new school year and discus with co-parent who will be taking the child to the doctor. If you anticipate disagreements regarding vaccination issues, this issue should be dealt with much earlier
School enrollment-Determine what is required to enroll your child and discuss it with your co-parent.
School orientation-Determine when school orientation is and discuss with co-parent whether you will attend together.
School year daycare-Obtain costs for school year daycare and determine if their needs to be a modification in child care support.

Considerations moving into Winter Co-Parenting (review in September):

Holiday parenting time schedule-Verify which holidays you have the child for this year. If you are considering a change in the schedule, this issue should be dealt with in July.
Holiday gifts-Make sure your child has purchased or made gifts for the other co-parent.
Holiday traveling-If you intend to travel during the holidays, consult your order to review notification provisions (when and how notice must be given and the content of the notice), if any, to your co-parent.
Winter clothing-Boots, winter jackets, gloves and mittens (which are inevitably lost) , and snow pants can be expensive. Discuss with your co-parent what your child needs and how you will allocate the costs.

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