Summer Break and Parenting Plans – How to Keep the Peace, the Sunscreen, and Your Sanity

By Hampton Pigott Staff
Posted on 7-1-2025

We’re well into summer now. That magical time of year when kids are out of school, ice cream trucks roam freely, and parents everywhere start sweating—not just from the heat, but from the thought of juggling summer vacations under a parenting plan.

If you’re co-parenting and wondering how those long sunny days (and even longer road trips) fit into your existing custody arrangement, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered like SPF 50 on a beach day. Here’s everything you need to know about how summer vacation works when kids are under a parenting plan—and how Hampton & Pigott can help you navigate it like a pro.

What Is a Summer Parenting Schedule, Anyway?

Many parenting plans include a specific section for summer—because let’s be honest, your regular school-year schedule probably isn’t going to cut it when your kid wants to spend two weeks at sleepaway camp and your co-parent is planning a Grand Canyon adventure.

Summer schedules can look like:

• Alternating weeks
• Extended vacation time for each parent
• Custom schedules around camps, trips, or activities
• Swapping the usual custody schedule temporarily

The key here is clarity. A good summer plan removes the guesswork so you’re not hashing it out in the group chat every time the weather hits 85 degrees.

How Are Vacations Divided?

Most parenting plans give each parent designated vacation time, often ranging from 1 to 3 weeks. The plan should spell out details like:

• How much notice each parent must give
• Whether vacations can override the normal parenting schedule
• Whether out-of-state or international travel is allowed
• Who handles travel arrangements and expenses

Pro Tip: If your vacation plans include flights, passports, or big logistics, make sure both parties are looped in early. It’s way more fun to focus on packing your swimsuit than arguing about travel details two days before departure.

What If We Both Want the Same Week?

Uh-oh. Summer schedule showdown!

If both parents want the same time frame and it’s not clearly defined in your plan, things can get sticky. Some plans include a first-choice rotation, where one parent picks first in even-numbered years and the other in odd-numbered years. Others require mediation or tie-breaker rules.

This is where Hampton & Pigott comes in: We can help clarify, revise, or mediate your parenting plan so you’re not stuck in a scheduling stalemate every June.

Communication Is Key (Even If It’s Awkward)

We get it—co-parenting isn’t always a walk on the beach. But when it comes to summer plans, early and open communication makes all the difference. Discuss:

• Desired vacation weeks
• Special activities or camps
• Travel plans, especially out-of-state/international
• How and when the other parent can contact the kids

Even if your parenting plan doesn’t require it, it’s just good co-parenting.

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Need to Update Your Plan?

Kids grow. Life changes. Maybe your current plan was great when your child was 4, but now they’re 14 with a social calendar busier than yours.

At Hampton & Pigott, we help parents modify parenting plans to reflect real life—including new work schedules, relocations, or changing summer needs. Don’t let an outdated plan turn into a summer buzzkill.

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Keep Summer Awesome

Summer should be about making memories—not custody chaos. With the right parenting plan and a little support from your legal dream team at Hampton & Pigott, you can have a smooth, drama-free summer filled with laughter, sun, and maybe even a few postcards.

If you're feeling stuck, confused, or overwhelmed about summer parenting plans, give us a call. We’ll help you work out the logistics, defend your parenting time, and keep your summer vibes high.