Travel disputes over summer holidays

School summer holidays are looked forward to all year by families as a time to have fun and make memories. However, in some cases, this can become complicated by disputes between separated parents regarding summer and travel plans.

Recent research we conducted has revealed that one in ten have experienced a legal dispute over summer holiday arrangements. At a time when your children should be your focus, it is important to know what you can do to avoid disputes, and if you cannot, how a family lawyer can help you.

Nearly 40% of those surveyed believed conflicts could arise this summer from a lack of communication and cooperation. Timely and thoughtful conversations around summer plans can make a significant difference in how arrangements are organised. When those with parental responsibility are kept informed and involved from the outset, it creates a sense of collaboration and reduces the risk of misunderstandings that could possibly require legal help.

Similarly, our research revealed that last minute changes or cancellations and changes to routines are considered by 37% of people to be a major point of conflict within summer holiday arrangements for those with children. It is completely understandable that plans can change last minute, especially when children are involved. Sickness or the weather in the UK can impact a family's ability attend planned events. However, if communication is strained, it can lead to feelings of resentment and an assumption that it was on purpose.

Having legal child arrangements in place can provide guidance on your rights should there be a breakdown of communication or a last-minute change of plans. Equally, our dedicated family lawyers facilitate communication pertaining to change to routines or plans.

More than one in three anticipate that financial contributions will be the cause of a dispute over the summer holidays. Financial contributions are sometimes considered to just be child maintenance payments, however there are several ways parents contribute financially including:

• Gifts such as new toys
• New summer wardrobe
• Paying for holidays
• Funding activities

Disputes can arise regarding finances for several reasons. Perhaps one parent feels it is unfair that they must pay their assigned amount of child support as well as providing in the ways listed above. Alternatively, there could be disputes as to who is responsible for funding holidays over the summer and if these costs should be split. Having financial responsibilities clearly marked out in your child arrangements can give clarity and these situations and our family law experts are always on hand to help you adapt these arrangements as you face new situations and your family's needs evolve.

Our research revealed that parents of children aged 5–9 are more likely to report disputes than those with older teens. As well as this, we found that younger parents (25–34) are more likely than older groups to have had disputes. When parents are new to co-parenting after a divorce or separation, it can be difficult to navigate and there are bound to be unexpected disputes. This is why it is important to have experienced family lawyers on your side to help set up arrangements that are clear and fair to help you move forward with confidence.