Summer should be a time of joy, freedom, and connection – especially for families. But if you share custody of your child, the season can quickly become complicated. Camps, vacations, and shifting school schedules often mean rethinking parenting time, and without a clear legal plan, even the best intentions can lead to conflict or confusion.
Modifying your parenting schedule for travel and camps might seem like a small detail, but it can have a big impact on your relationship with your child. In California, these changes must be approached carefully to ensure they’re enforceable and aligned with your child’s best interests. In this post, you’ll find practical, actionable tips to help you adjust parenting schedules confidently and legally so that you and your kids can make the most of the months ahead.
At Moradi Neufer, we’ve guided many families through the delicate process of modifying co-parenting arrangements across California. Our team understands both the legal intricacies and the human realities involved. The right legal guidance doesn’t just protect your rights – it creates a foundation for smoother summers and stronger family relationships.
1. Get Consent or Court Approval Before Traveling With Your Child
If you’re planning a vacation or enrolling your child in a summer camp that involves travel – especially out of state or abroad – do not assume that you have automatic permission to go. Even well-meaning travel plans can violate a custody order if they’re not handled properly.
In California, most parenting plans include provisions about travel. Some require written consent from the other parent, while others prohibit travel outside a certain area unless both parties agree or a judge gives approval. If your current order is silent on travel, or if your co-parent is hesitant or uncooperative, it’s crucial to clarify things through the appropriate legal channels.
- Review your custody order for any travel clauses or geographic restrictions.
- Communicate early and in writing with your co-parent about your plans, providing details such as dates, locations, and contact information.
- If you’re facing a disagreement, get written consent from your co-parent or file a request with the court – with enough time to resolve the issue before your travel plans.
- If you’re traveling internationally, consider getting a signed and notarized travel consent letter to avoid issues at customs or borders.
Failing to follow these steps can lead to serious legal consequences, including contempt of court, loss of parenting time, or even criminal accusations if travel is seen as a form of parental abduction. It’s far better to secure permission up front than to explain a violation later.
2. Know When a Schedule Change Qualifies as “Legally Significant”
Not every summer activity requires a formal modification of your parenting plan, but some do. If your child is attending a multi-week camp, spending extended time with relatives, or if you need to switch entire weeks of custody, the court may view that as a “significant” change. And in California, significant changes can open the door for a judge to revisit the overall custody arrangement – which is something to approach with care.
California family courts use the “best interest of the child” standard when reviewing visitation modifications, similar to other custody matters. However, before a court will even consider a request to change your parenting schedule, you must usually show a substantial change in circumstances since the current order was put in place.
Examples of legally significant changes over the summer may include:
- You or your co-parent relocate or have a new work schedule.
- Your child enrolls in a residential or travel-based summer camp.
- You run into conflicts between your current parenting plan and summer travel needs.
- Either parent violates the existing custody order, especially if it happens repeatedly.
Even if you and your co-parent agree on changes, you should still formalize your new agreements through the court process if they affect a substantial portion of your parenting time. Informal agreements may not be enforceable if conflicts arise later.
What does this mean for you? If your summer plans impact more than a few days, or alter the structure of your parenting plan in any meaningful way, it’s wise to speak with a family law attorney. Getting legal guidance early in the season can prevent complications later and demonstrate to the court that you’re responsible and focused on your child’s needs.
3. File the Right Paperwork to Modify Parenting Time Legally
If your summer plans require more than just a minor tweak to your existing custody arrangements, it’s not enough to simply agree on a change with your co-parent over the phone, text, or email. To protect your rights – and avoid misunderstandings or legal disputes down the line – you need to follow the proper legal procedures.
In California, modifying a custody or visitation order requires filing a request with the court, where you ask the court to review and approve a change to your parenting schedule. You may have to attach additional documentation if your case involves certain visitation adjustments that require a more detailed proposal. You can approach this process by:
- Gathering the relevant information, including your current court order, your proposed new schedule, and any supporting documentation (such as camp schedules, travel itineraries, or communications with your co-parent).
- Filing the appropriate forms with the family court in the county where your custody order was issued (your attorney can handle many of these legalities).
- Following legal procedures by serving your co-parent with copies of the paperwork.
- Attending the scheduled hearing prepared to explain why the custody changes are in the best interests of your child (again, your attorney can advocate on your behalf here).
Even if the change seems straightforward, California family courts take modifications seriously. The judge will want to see that the proposed plan supports your child’s stability, promotes healthy relationships with both parents, and aligns with the current circumstances.
It’s best to work with a family law attorney who can prepare your request clearly, avoid procedural mistakes, and present a strong case. When done correctly, the court’s approval offers a legally enforceable framework that supports a smooth summer for everyone involved.
4. Put All Parenting Time Changes in Writing – Always
It might feel like overkill to put a casual agreement in writing, especially if you and your co-parent are on good terms – but in family law, documentation is essential.
Even the most cooperative arrangements can fall apart when memories fade, tensions rise, or new relationships or obligations emerge. Whether you’re agreeing to switch a weekend for a summer trip or adjusting the entire summer schedule, written documentation creates clarity and protects both parents – and, most importantly, your child.
At a minimum, you and your co-parent should exchange emails or text messages clearly outlining any minor changes and mutual acceptance. Ideally, any changes – especially if you expect them to last more than a few days – should be added to a written stipulation and filed with the court. This doesn’t necessarily require a hearing if both parents agree, but it ensures that your new agreement is enforceable under California law.
If your co-parent refuses to sign a written version of an agreement they claim to support verbally, that’s often a red flag. You may need to take further legal steps to protect your parenting time and prevent last-minute changes or withholding of your child.
5. Plan Camps and Vacations Early to Avoid Last-Minute Disputes
One of the most common sources of conflict in co-parenting during the summer isn’t the trip itself – it’s the timing. Last minute plans, rushed approvals, and vague communication often lead to frustration, confusion, or outright disagreement. Fortunately, you can avoid most of these negative scenarios with early and thoughtful planning.
Many custody orders include deadlines for notifying your co-parent of summer plans. For example, your agreement may require that each parent must submit proposed vacation dates by a certain date (e.g., April 1 or May 15). Missing that deadline could mean forfeiting the opportunity to schedule the trip or camp week you were hoping for.
In order to stay ahead of potential issues:
- Start planning early, ideally several months before summer begins.
- Review your custody order to see if it includes deadlines or restrictions on scheduling.
- Give detailed notice to your co-parent in writing, including dates, locations, pickup and dropoff plans, and any costs or responsibilities.
- If you’re enrolling your child in a camp, share the brochure or official information so that your co-parent understands the commitment.
Advance planning not only reduces stress, it builds trust and cooperation. It also gives you more time to resolve any disputes through negotiation, mediation, or legal means if necessary.
Remember, courts want to see both parents making sincere efforts to co-parent effectively. Being proactive shows responsibility and respect for the shared parenting relationship.
6. Choose a Summer Schedule That Fits Your Family’s Needs
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to summer custody scheduling. Every family’s needs are different – work schedules, travel opportunities, children’s interests, and the distance between households all play a role. The good news? California family law gives parents flexibility to design summer plans that work for everyone, as long as your kids’ best interests come first.
If your current custody order doesn’t already include a summer schedule, or if it no longer fits your circumstances, consider what arrangement would work best for your family dynamic. Then, work towards formalizing that plan either by agreement or through court-approved modification.
Common summer scheduling options include:
- Alternating weeks between parents throughout the summer.
- Two-week blocks with each parent, allowing for travel and rest periods.
- A “vacation carve-out” where each parent designates a set number of weeks for uninterrupted summer time with their children.
- Adjusting your schedules to allow for special and seasonal activities such as sports camps, family reunions, or extended trips.
The goal isn’t just an acceptable plan for parents – it’s about creating a summer routine that your child can look forward to and rely on. Children flourish when they feel secure and know what to expect. A clear, structured schedule allows them to enjoy their summer without feeling torn or caught in the middle, or getting caught up in the chaos of last minute plans.
As always, make sure your plan is in writing and submitted to the court if it modifies your existing order. Doing so protects everyone’s time and reduces the chance of future disputes.
7. Have a Game Plan If Your Co-Parent Doesn’t Agree
Even the best-laid summer plans can hit a roadblock when co-parents disagree. Whether it’s about dates, destinations, or the right camp for your kid, differing views are common – and sometimes emotionally charged. While it’s ideal to work things out amicably, it’s also essential to know your options when agreement isn’t possible.
First, try open and respectful communication. Misunderstandings often stem from poor timing or vague details. Provide clear, written information about your plans, and invite input. If concerns arise, acknowledge them and look for compromises. If these efforts fail, don’t let the conflict spiral into hostility or unapproved changes. Instead, rely on California’s family law tools.
Consider taking further steps when:
- Your co-parent refuses to allow travel that’s reasonable and in your parenting time.
- Your co-parent tries to block a camp or activity without a valid legal basis.
- Your co-parent makes changes unilaterally or violates your current order.
Your legal options could include:
- Mediation – Required in many California counties before a court hearing, mediation allows both parents to work through disputes with a neutral third party.
- Filing a Request for Modification – You can formally ask the court to approve your proposed summer schedule if your co-parent is being uncooperative.
- Emergency or Expedited Hearings – In rare cases where time is short or your child’s well-being is at risk, you may request faster court intervention.
What matters most is staying calm, following the law, and documenting your efforts to resolve the issue. Courts generally favor parents who demonstrate a willingness to cooperate and prioritize the child’s experience – especially during meaningful times like summer.
8. Follow Travel Notification Rules and Respect Legal Limits
When travel with your kids is involved, it’s not just about planning and agreement – it’s also about compliance with your existing custody order and California’s legal standards. Overlooking notice requirements or violating travel restrictions can create serious legal complications regarding custody, even if you believe you’re acting in good faith.
Many custody agreements include specific travel notification clauses. These typically require a parent to notify the other in writing before traveling with their child, especially when leaving the state or country. Your notice may need to include travel dates, destinations, contact information during your trip, flight or accommodation details, or emergency contacts.
If your order doesn’t specify, California courts generally expect reasonable notice – ideally at least 30 days in advance for extended travel plans. Other important legal considerations:
- Automatic Temporary Restraining Orders (ATROs) – If you’re still in the divorce process or dealing with a pending custody matter, you may be subject to the ATROs. These orders prevent either parent from removing their child from California without prior written consent or a court order, and can have serious consequences if violated.
- Passports – If you’re planning international travel and your child doesn’t have a passport yet, both parents must usually consent to get one. If your co-parent refuses to cooperate, you may need to petition the court for assistance.
Even when you believe that a trip is in your child’s best interests, failing to give proper notice or trying to work around restrictions could be viewed as a violation of your custody agreement. In some cases, it may even be treated as parental abduction.
Bottom line: Always check your order, notify your co-parent in writing, and follow all applicable rules. If something is unclear, get legal guidance before making travel commitments.
9. Keep Your Child’s Well-Being at the Center of Every Decision
Amid the logistics, deadlines, and legal forms, it’s easy to lose sight of what matters most: your child’s well-being. Summer schedules are about more than managing time – they’re for creating meaningful, positive experiences that support your kid’s growth, happiness, and stability.
When making decisions about travel, camp enrollment, or changes to your parenting schedule, always ask: “How will this benefit my child?” Not just from your point of view, but from theirs. If your child is of a certain age and maturity, you can even ask them for their preferences.
- Consider activities that reflect your child’s interests and developmental stage, not just what’s convenient or what they’ve always done before.
- Be flexible with schedule changes when they create a richer experience for your child.
- Avoid conflict in front of your kids and keep them out of the middle.
- Ensure adequate rest, downtime, and structure during an often unstructured season.
Remember, California family courts always apply the best interests of the child standard when evaluating parenting plans. Demonstrating that your decisions prioritize your child’s emotional and physical well-being can strengthen your position in any legal proceeding – and more importantly, foster trust and security in your parent-child relationship.
When co-parents disagree, centering the conversation around your child’s needs rather than adult grievances often leads to better resolutions. It shifts the focus away from “winning” and towards your child’s summer memories and their peace of mind.
10. Work with Legal Counsel to Strengthen Your Parenting Plan
Parenting time modifications – especially during the summer – don’t have to be stressful, unpredictable, or adversarial. With the right legal support, you can approach them with clarity and confidence, knowing your rights are protected and your child’s interests are front and center. A good attorney can help you:
- Review your current parenting plan and identify what needs to change.
- Draft and file the appropriate legal documents, including stipulations or formal requests.
- Communicate with your co-parent through proper legal channels when direct discussions break down or stop being productive.
- Represent your interests in mediation or court, if necessary.
Whether you’re planning a week at camp, a cross-country trip, or simply more quality time during summer break, modifying a parenting schedule is not something to leave to chance. These decisions can shape your family’s dynamics for years to come – and they deserve thoughtful legal handling to match your unique circumstances.
If you’re unsure how to proceed, or you’re facing resistance from a co-parent, you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Moradi Neufer, we help parents throughout California resolve parenting time issues with clarity, care, and a steady legal hand. Your family’s future is worth protecting, and we’re here to help you do just that. If you’re ready to talk about your situation, contact us now for a consultation – we’re here to listen, guide, and advocate for what matters most to you.
