For many families, summer is a season of vacations, camps, pool days, and a welcome break from the school year routine. For co-parents, however, summer can also bring scheduling challenges and disagreements if expectations are not clearly communicated in advance.

Whether you share custody under a court order or a negotiated parenting plan, taking time to prepare for the summer months can help reduce conflict and create a more enjoyable experience for your children.

Review Your Custody Agreement Early

Many custody agreements contain specific provisions addressing summer parenting time. These provisions may include:

• Extended vacation periods for each parent

• Deadlines for providing vacation dates

• Summer camp schedules

• Holiday schedules that overlap with summer months

• Transportation arrangements

Put the Children's Needs First

Summer often presents opportunities that may not be available during the school year. Children may want to attend sleepaway camp, participate in sports programs, travel with extended family, or spend additional time with relatives. While parents may have differing opinions about how summer time should be spent, courts generally expect parents to prioritize the child's best interests over personal preferences or convenience.

Communicate Vacation Plans Clearly

Vacation disputes are among the most common summer custody issues. To minimize conflict:

• Provide vacation dates as early as possible

• Share travel itineraries when appropriate

• Discuss transportation arrangements in advance

• Provide emergency contact information

• Confirm plans in writing

Good communication helps build trust and reduces misunderstandings that can quickly escalate into larger conflicts.

Document Agreements in Writing

Even when parents have a positive co-parenting relationship, verbal agreements can lead to misunderstandings. If you agree to modify a schedule, swap weekends, or adjust vacation time, confirm the agreement through email, text message, or a co-parenting application.

Final Thoughts

Summer should be a time for children to make memories, explore new experiences, and enjoy meaningful time with both parents. Planning ahead, communicating openly, and focusing on your children's best interests can help co-parents navigate the season more successfully.

If you have questions about your custody order, summer parenting schedules, relocation concerns, or modifications to an existing custody arrangement, contact us at 301-356-4423 and we can help you understand your rights and options before conflicts arise.

In child custody disputes, a Maryland trial judge must determine legal and physical custody based on the best interest of the minor child. As of October 1, 2025, judges now have 16 factors that must be evaluated when determining child custody based on the best interest standard. These factors include:

1. Stability and the foreseeable health and welfare of the child;

2. Frequent, regular, and continuing contact with parents who can act in the child’s best interest;

3. Whether and how parents who do not live together will share the rights and responsibilities of raising the child;

4. The child’s relationship with each parent, any siblings, other relatives, and individuals who are or may become important in the child’s life;

5. The child’s physical and emotional security and protection from exposure to conflict and violence;

6. The child’s developmental needs, including physical safety, emotional security, positive self-image, interpersonal skills, and intellectual and cognitive growth;

7. The day-to-day needs of the child, including education, socialization, culture and religion, food, shelter, clothing, and mental and physical health;

8. How to:

• Place the child’s needs above the parents’ needs;

• Protect the child from the negative effects of any conflict between the parents; and

• Maintain the child’s relationship with the parents, siblings, other relatives, or other individuals who have or likely may have a significant relationship with the child;

9. The age of the child;

10. Any military deployment of a parent and its effect, if any, on the parent-child relationship;

11. Any prior court orders or agreements;

12. Each parent’s role and tasks related to the child and how, if at all, those roles and tasks have changed;

13. The location of each parent’s home as it relates to the parent’s ability to coordinate parenting time, school, and activities;

14. The parents’ relationship with each other, including:

• How they communicate with each other;

• Whether they can co-parent without disrupting the child’s social and school life; and

• How the parents will resolve any disputes in the future without the need for court intervention

15. The child’s preference, if age-appropriate; and

16. Any other factor that the court considers appropriate in determining how best to serve the physical, developmental, and emotional needs of the child.

To schedule a consultation with our experienced family law attorney, please contact us at (301) 356-4423. We would be happy to meet with you to discuss your family law matter and find the best strategy for you and your family.

Now that the school year is over, it is important to prepare and address any scheduling adjustments for your children’s summer break. Here are some helpful tips:

1. Plan well in advance with your co-parent the exact weeks you each plan to have your children. You should review your court order as often times it will contain the exact provisions outlining the summer visitation schedule.

2. Be flexible. Sometimes clear communication and compromise can lead to stress-free summers with your co-parent. You should clearly communicate with them regarding exchange locations, pick-up and drop-off times, and any travel plans. Consider providing advance notice to foster cooperation, even if not mandated.

3. If your children attend daycare, camps, or other summer activities, discuss them with your co-parent and address financial responsibilities. Often times, your court order will have provisions on each parent’s financial responsibility.

If you need assistance handling co-parenting summer challenges, please contact us at (301) 356-4423 and we will help you find solutions that work best for your family.