FDR Law Legal Clinic

Legal advice from Ruth Hetherington, Family Law Partner at FDR Law relating to Children Arrangements during Summer Holidays

Q: I am a working single parent and my children have regular contact with their Dad. However he has said that he can’t help more during the school holidays, is there anything I can do?

A: Child care during the school holidays, particular the long summer break can be problematic for parents when they are working.

It may be too late for this holiday, but in future it could be helpful to make a list of all the school holiday dates and plan ahead for all childcare costs so that all parties can come to an agreement together, avoiding any misunderstandings or resentment later down the line.

Once you have negotiated a plan, add the dates to a calendar with your children, so that they can have a sense of involvement and will know where they are going to be. Be prepared to review and change arrangements and to discuss these with your children as they grow older. Younger children may need shorter holiday times than older children, but during holiday time there could be regular email or telephone contact and holidays with the non-resident parent.

Finally, don't use contact or time together as a bargaining ploy. However difficult it may be to reach an agreement, remember that quality time with both parents, and their extended family, is in your child’s best interest. You may no longer be partners but you are forever parents, and your children need you to co-parent even if you no longer live together.

For legal help and advice concerning arrangements for children contact Ruth Hetherington on 01928 739300 (Frodsham), 01925 230000 (Warrington) or by email ruth.hetherington@fdrlaw.co.uk