Holiday and Summer Schedules in Maryland Custody Agreements

Co-parenting isn’t always easy, especially when it comes to dividing time over holidays, school breaks, and summer vacation. These times of year can be emotionally charged for both parents and children.

That’s why it’s important to have a clear, well-thought-out custody schedule in place. In Maryland, custody agreements often include detailed provisions for holidays and summer vacations to help families navigate these periods with less stress and fewer conflicts.

Why Holiday and Summer Schedules Matter

Holidays and summer breaks can present unique challenges. These are times when children are out of school and families traditionally come together for celebrations, travel, or relaxation. Without a clear plan, disagreements over who gets the kids and when can escalate quickly.

Maryland courts encourage parents to work together to create custody agreements that prioritize the child’s best interests. That includes anticipating and addressing how time will be shared during holidays and extended school breaks. A thoughtful holiday and summer schedule helps ensure children can enjoy meaningful time with both parents while maintaining stability.

Common Approaches To Holiday Schedules

In Maryland, parents can tailor holiday schedules to meet their family’s specific needs. However, certain arrangements are commonly used because they tend to promote fairness and consistency.

• Alternating holidays. Parents alternate each year. For instance, one parent has the children on Thanksgiving during even years, while the other parent has them on odd years.
• Splitting the day. For some holidays, parents divide the day so that the child spends part of the holiday with each parent. This works best when parents live close enough to make transitions easy.
• Fixed holidays. Some families choose to permanently assign certain holidays. For example, a parent with strong cultural or religious ties to a particular holiday may always have the child on that day.

Common holidays addressed in Maryland custody agreements include Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s Eve and Day, Easter, and the child’s birthday. Some agreements also address school-specific breaks, such as spring break and long weekends.

Planning for Summer Vacation

Summer custody schedules often look different from the regular school-year routine. Parents may agree to:

• Extended visitation. One parent may have the child for several consecutive or non-consecutive weeks during the summer, especially if they live far apart.
• Week-on, week-off arrangements. Some families alternate weeks during the summer to provide equal time, and in such event, vacations are taken during each parent’s respective weeks.
• Special trip provisions. Custody agreements may include language allowing either parent to take the child on a vacation, provided the other parent receives advance notice and trip details.

It’s important to clearly outline start and end dates for summer schedules, how exchanges will occur, and any notice requirements for travel plans.

Tips for Co-parenting During Holidays and Summer Breaks

Here are a few ways to make co-parenting during these special times easier.

• Plan ahead. The earlier you work out a schedule, the less likely conflicts will arise.
• Be flexible. Life happens. While custody orders are legally binding, a spirit of cooperation is helpful when unexpected events arise.
• Put the child first. Focus on what will provide your child with the most meaningful and low-stress experience.
• Communicate clearly. Use shared calendars, apps, or written agreements to keep everyone on the same page.

Get Help Crafting a Clear Custody Schedule

At Rice Law, we understand the importance of protecting your child’s well-being while preserving special moments for both parents. Whether you’re negotiating a new custody agreement or seeking to modify an existing one, we can help you create a holiday and summer schedule that fits your family’s needs.Contact us today for a confidential consultation. Let’s work together to create a plan that prioritizes your child’s needs while helping you co-parent successfully during holidays and school breaks.