THE BERNARDS-RIDGE CONNECTION PAGE 12 JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 2025 theconnectionsnj.com orking with your co-parent to address parenting time issues in the summer can present a host of challenges. We have represented New Jersey parents in countless disputes about how to share in the summer or in special summer events. It’s best to plan ahead, or you risk reaching the judge’s bench too late. Here is what parents need to know about common summer parenting time disputes. Summer Camp Considerations Many New Jersey parents send their children to summer camp. It’s smart to discuss camp with your co-parent as early as possible so that if you disagree, there is time to pursue mediation or, if necessary, ask the court to determine the outcome before summer begins. Is there a dispute about whether your child should go to camp or which camp they should attend? Courts often give preference to established camp traditions, unless there is a special circumstance such as a drastic change in tuition, a safety issue, or other consideration that suggests it would not be in the child’s best interests to return to their previous camp. When considering the cost of camp, keep in mind that day camps during working hours are typically considered “work-related childcare,” while overnight camps are typically considered extraordinary expenses. If your child is likely to attend camp post-divorce, it’s wise to address how these expenses will be shared in your divorce settlement agreement. Summer Travel In New Jersey, parents are commonly entitled to up to two weeks of vacation with the children during the summer and school recesses. Again, the sooner co-parents can communicate about their summer travel plans, the less likely to be a conflict. One way to address this is to memorialize in your divorce settlement agreement that, in the event parents want to exercise parenting time at the same time during the summer, one parent has preference in even years, and the other in odd years. Early communication of travel plans ensures that you and your co-parent square away all necessary details in advance: the exchange of passports, notarized consent for travel letters if needed, itineraries, and contact information. If one party opposes the choice of destination, then the amount of notice given to that party may come into play if a judge has to make the call on whether to permit the travel. Family Visits and Events Visits from out-of-town family members and special family events often take place during the summer. With so many competing opportunities — from summer programming to travel, and everything in between — it’s important to stake your claim to these dates and communicate about special plans in advance. When Disagreements Persist Addressing summer parenting time conflicts early often sets you up for success if you must bring the issue to a judge for determination. New Jersey Family Court judges prioritize summer experiences that enrich children’s lives while allowing them to maintain relationships with both parents and tend to favor parents who demonstrate good faith efforts to resolve conflicts before court intervention. For more information regarding divorce in New Jersey, contact Morristown-based, Fox Rothschild Family Law attorneys Jessica Diamond Lia at jlia@foxrothschild.com or (973) 994-7517; or Eric S. Solotoff at esolotoff@foxrothschild.com or (973) 994-7501. LAWYER’SVIEW Navigating Summer Parenting Time in New Jersey By Jessica Diamond Lia and Eric S. Solotoff in the child’s best inter child Working with your co-parent to address parenting time issues in the summer can present a host of challenges. Working with your co-parent to ad Morristown | Princeton | Atlantic City Handling family law matters throughout New Jersey When It’s Your Move High-net-worth divorce is complicated. Division of assets, complex income, custody. The rules can seem tilted against you. Our attorneys have the legal know-how and national firm resources it takes to design a successful strategy.* Dedicated. Driven. Committed to helping you reach your goals. Eric Solotoff esolotoff@foxrothschild.com 973.994.7501 Jessica Diamond Lia jlia@foxrothschild.com 973.994.7517 *Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
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