4th of July Parent-time in 2018

Under the Utah holiday schedule for children ages 5 and up, in 2018 the custodial parent (the parent who has the children most overnights) is entitled to parent-time on July 3 beginning at 6 p.m. until July 4 at 11 p.m. or, at the custodial parent’s election, until July 5 at 6 p.m. In other words, the custodial parent gets to decide whether to return the kids the evening of July 4 at 11 p.m. (usually after fireworks and celebrations are over) or whether to keep them until 6 p.m. the following day. Best practice is to communicate with your co-parent and let him/her know well in advance when you will be returning the children so each of you can plan accordingly.

The noncustodial parent in turn is entitled to Pioneer holiday parent-time in 2018 from July 23 at 6 p.m. until either July 24 at 11 p.m. or, at their election, until 6 p.m. on July 25. This ensures the important July holidays are equally divided between the parents. However, parents are free to trade holidays if they both agree to do so. Best practice is to put such agreements in writing signed by each parent.

If either parent plans to travel during their holiday parent-time they should let their co-parent know for emergency contact purposes. It is best practice to provide a travel itinerary containing (a) the dates they will be gone, (b) destinations, (c) places where the child or traveling parent can be reached, and (d) the name and telephone number of an available third person who would know where the child is at.

Bear in mind not every court order follows the standard Utah holiday schedule. If your court order contains a different holiday schedule then you should follow the schedule in your order. Also, there a special rules that apply to children under 5 years old and when parents live 150+ miles apart.

Are you getting the holiday parent-time you are entitled to? Is your ex not follow court orders? If so give the experienced family law attorneys at Wiser & Wiser Law a call at 855-254-2600.