The Challenges of Summer Divorce With Kids

Divorce is difficult any time of year, but when children are involved, summer brings a unique set of challenges for parents navigating this transition. In Marietta and throughout Georgia, summer schedules, vacations, and custody arrangements can create extra stress and conflict. Attorney Sean Whitworth understands these challenges and works with clients to help them plan ahead and protect their children’s well-being.

Here are some of the most common issues that arise during the summer months, along with tips for handling them.

1. Disrupted Routines

Children thrive on consistency. Divorce alone disrupts their lives, but summer can add more instability with changes in school, daycare, and daily routines. Many parents underestimate how this affects children emotionally.

Plan a clear summer schedule in advance. If your parenting plan does not address summer routines, this is a good time to consult with your attorney to update it.

2. Vacation Planning

Vacations can lead to disputes if not addressed ahead of time. Many parents want to take children out of state or out of the country during summer break. If this is not clearly stated in your custody agreement, it can cause last-minute conflicts or even legal issues.

Work with your attorney to ensure your custody order addresses vacation permissions and notice requirements. Communicate travel plans well in advance to avoid misunderstandings.

3. Co-Parenting Communication

Summer is a time when flexible thinking and cooperative co-parenting are crucial. Unfortunately, after a difficult divorce, communication between parents can be strained.

Attorney Sean Whitworth encourages parents to use neutral communication tools such as co-parenting apps or written agreements to keep records of schedules and discussions. Keeping communication businesslike and focused on the children helps prevent conflict.

4. Financial Strain

Summer activities, camps, and vacations cost money. For divorced parents, financial responsibilities should be clearly defined in the divorce agreement, but sometimes these expenses were not anticipated.

If unexpected costs arise, try to negotiate respectfully. If disputes occur, your attorney can help clarify or modify orders regarding summer expenses.

5. Children’s Emotional Well-Being

Children may experience sadness, anxiety, or guilt during summer when seeing one parent less than usual. They may feel caught between parents, especially when one is taking them on trips or providing activities the other cannot afford.

Focus on what is best for your children. Reassure them they are loved by both parents. Encourage a positive attitude about time spent with each parent. If emotional struggles persist, consider counseling or child-focused therapy.

If you anticipate or encounter challenges related to summer parenting time, contact Attorney Sean Whitworth in Marietta. His flat-fee divorce representation means you will always know what your legal costs will be, with no financial surprises.

Sean can help you:

• Address vacation and travel permissions
• Provide guidance on healthy co-parenting

Summer should be a time of joy for children, even in the midst of family change. With proper planning and legal support, you can help your children feel secure and supported during this season.