How Do My Ex and I Decide on Visitation and Vacation Times for our Children?

When you are working through the terms of your Marital Settlement Agreement, you will need to consider how much parenting time you and your spouse want for visitation and vacation time with your children in the future.  

You should be clear about defining whether visitation time is fixed or flexible. For example, will visitation be from 4:00 p.m. every other Friday to 6:00 p.m. on the following Sunday, or simply “liberal, and as agreed upon by the parties.”  

Similarly, vacation time can be spelled out, with details of the number of weeks per year each parent will get; how the other parent will be notified of vacation time; and whether vacation time takes precedence over regular visitation. Otherwise, if you are comfortable working with your spouse, these terms can be less specific.  However, be aware that it can lead to tension and confusion between you and your ex if these issues are unclear, or not addressed in your written Marital Settlement Agreement.  

Virginia Family Law Center, P.C. can help you outline some of these choices by providing a template for regular visitation and vacations with your children.