With the summer holidays upon us, many families are planning activities to keep their children entertained. For divorced or separated parents, however, coordinating holiday contact can present unique challenges. Children grow older, routines shift, and last year’s arrangements may no longer fit especially if either parent wishes to travel abroad.
Our family lawyers regularly support parents in navigating these challenges and we understand the importance of a smooth, positive summer for children and parents alike.
Dispute‑Resolution Options
Our team can tailor their approach to your instructions and utilise several effective solutions to resolving summer holiday contact disagreements:
Preliminary legal advice & direct negotiation
Clarify your rights and assess how a court might view your proposals. Attempt to agree directly with the other parent, with your solicitor advising on likely costs and timescales if negotiations falter.
Solicitor’s letter
A formal letter drafted by a children law specialist often defuses disputes quickly, with the goal of turning what seemed a complex disagreement into an agreement and avoiding court proceedings.
Family mediation
With an independent mediator present, you and your ex‑partner can explore solutions and compromises in a structured setting. Pre‑mediation advice from a family solicitor ensures you enter these sessions informed about your legal position and the point at which pursuing a court order might be necessary.
Specific Issue Order
If your former partner withholds consent for travel abroad, a Specific Issue Order may be required.
Travelling without either written permission or a court order leaves you open to the risk of being stopped at the border or facing allegations of parental child abduction.
Child Arrangements Order (“lives with” provision)
Securing an order that specifies your child “lives with” you allows an automatic authorisation of up to 28 days of holiday without further consent or a separate Specific Issue Order.
As family law specialists, we are here to recommend the approach best suited to your circumstances balancing efficiency, cost and your child’s welfare.
Maintaining a Child‑Focused Approach
All Pinney Talfourd family lawyers are Resolution-accredited and committed to placing children’s needs at the centre of every decision. Every family is nuanced, but a well-considered summer plan must ensure the children wishes and feelings are considered as well as balancing life’s many logistical considerations.
Top Tips for a Trouble Free Summer
- Plan Ahead – Avoid last‑minute rushes that can spark conflict.
- Stay child‑focused – Keep discussions centred on your children’s best interests.
- Be open, but firm – Do not yield to pressure or hostile tactics.
- Seek expert legal advice – Get clarity on your rights and on realistic solutions.
- Explore all options – Consider alternative dispute resolution and mediation where appropriate.
How Pinney Talfourd can help
At Pinney Talfourd, we are here to help you move forward with confidence whether through negotiation, legal advice, or court proceedings. For a free 45 minute consultation, please contact a member of our dedicated Family team on 01708 229 444 for expert guidance tailored to your situation.
More information
At Pinney Talfourd, our specialist divorce lawyers are members of Resolution, dealing with many matters using a collaborative approach. We want to help our clients to achieve a fair settlement. If you are considering a divorce and want to find out some more information, please contact a member of our family team to book a free initial consultation.