As the school year winds down, summer brings a new rhythm to family life—especially for separated or divorced parents managing custody schedules. Between family trips, teens with summer jobs, and shifting routines, planning ahead helps avoid misunderstandings and protect valuable family time.
Flexibility Matters During Summer
New York courts understand that summer introduces new challenges—very different from the structure of the school year. Teens might take on part-time jobs, attend sleepaway camp, or want more time with friends. Parents may schedule vacations or adjust work hours. All of these changes can disrupt a standard visitation plan.
While custody orders remain in effect, family court encourages cooperation and practical flexibility—especially when both parents are actively involved in their child’s life.
Why Communication Is Key
When routines shift, open and proactive communication helps everyone stay aligned. Start the summer conversation early—ideally in late spring. Discuss upcoming plans, potential schedule changes, and any job responsibilities your child may have. Clear expectations now can prevent conflict later.
Keep communication respectful and focused on the child’s well-being. Put any agreed changes in writing, even if they seem minor at the time.
Can Parents Travel with the Kids?
Vacations are a highlight of summer, and many parents wonder whether they can take their children on trips during their designated parenting time. Generally, yes—but there are important details to review to avoid misunderstandings.
Important Considerations
- Review your custody order. Some agreements require advance notice or written consent for out-of-state or international travel.
- Share the itinerary. Courts typically expect both parents to communicate travel dates, destinations, and emergency contact information.
- Respect the other parent’s time. If your vacation overlaps with the other parent’s scheduled time, discuss the conflict early and agree on any adjustments.
- Check for restrictions. Some custody agreements include geographic limits or travel restrictions that could impact vacation plans.
New York courts generally support vacation time during a parent’s allotted custody period, provided the trip is reasonable and well-communicated.
What If the Teen Has a Job?
A summer job offers teenagers a chance to learn responsibility and gain independence, but it can complicate custody schedules and parenting time logistics.
Balancing Work and Visitation
If your teen has a set work schedule, consider modifying the plan to reduce stress. Flexibility matters—New York courts expect parents to support their child’s personal development while maintaining meaningful time with both parents.
Teen work obligations don’t automatically override parenting time, but judges often support adjustments when both parents agree and the child’s interests remain the priority.
When Teens Prefer a Different Schedule
Teenagers may request changes to the visitation schedule. They might want more freedom or feel pulled in different directions between home, work, and friends. These requests can be emotionally charged and require sensitivity.
What Courts Consider
New York courts take a child’s preferences into account—especially for older teens—but preference alone doesn’t determine custody arrangements. Judges assess the teen’s maturity, reasoning, and whether the requested changes align with their best interests.
They also look at whether each parent fosters a healthy relationship between the child and the other parent. If a teen refuses visitation without a valid reason and one parent supports that resistance, courts may intervene.
Managing Summer Schedule Scenarios
Some situations are more common than others. Here are a couple of examples that show how families may navigate summer custody challenges in a way that supports both the child’s growth and parental involvement.
A Teen Juggling Work and Custody
A 17-year-old lives with both parents on alternating weeks but recently started a job with unpredictable hours. Her father, who lives 45 minutes away, struggles to coordinate pickups during her shifts. The parents agree to modify the plan: he visits her locally after work or spends time with her on her days off.
This type of arrangement is often supported by the courts. Judges tend to favor practical, cooperative solutions that protect both parenting time and a teen’s growing responsibilities.
A Vacation Overlaps With Scheduled Visitation
One parent plans a beach trip during their parenting time. The other parent isn’t informed until two weeks before the departure—and their time overlaps. Rather than escalate the issue, they agree to a makeup weekend later in the month.
In practice, courts prefer these kinds of collaborative solutions. Judges want to see parents cooperating to support their child’s experience, rather than focusing on rigid enforcement.
When Plans Change Mid-Summer
Even the most carefully crafted schedules can shift. A parent might have to travel for work, or a teen’s hours could change unexpectedly.
Adjusting With Respect
Let the other parent know as soon as possible. Propose alternate options and confirm any updates in writing. Respectful communication helps preserve trust and reduces unnecessary conflict.
If disputes arise, mediation is often recommended before returning to court. Most judges want to see that parents made genuine efforts to resolve issues before litigation.
Court Expectations During Summer Custody
New York courts expect parents to follow court-ordered custody schedules, even during summer months. That said, judges understand the need for some flexibility—especially with teens involved in summer activities.
What the Court Looks For
- Good faith efforts to communicate and cooperate
- Consistency in parenting time
- Willingness to accommodate summer changes
- A continued focus on the child’s best interests
Custody orders are enforceable. If changes are needed, formal modifications or written agreements may be required to protect both parents and children.
Contact The Law Office of Anthony J. LoPresti Today
Summer should bring memorable moments—not legal tension. If you’re facing challenges with summer visitation or need guidance modifying a custody agreement, help is available.
Call The Law Office of Anthony J. LoPresti at (516) 252-0223 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a confidential consultation.