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"I had no idea that life could be so much fun and filled with so much peace and joy. I could never in a million years have imagined it, and I have you and your spectacular team of miracle workers to thank. Thank you, thank you, thank you." -Jean T. Tichenor 
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Contact: Michelle Steckel Summer Doesn't Mean A Vacation From Visitation Schedules Communicate With Former Spouse Regarding Children's Activities (Dallas) -- Children anticipating a summer filled with carefree fun can sometimes see their dreams of attending camp or participating in Little League baseball shatter if a battle over visitation schedules erupts between their divorced parents. Troubles are most likely to occur when communication breaks down between the former spouses, says Mary Jo McCurley, a partner at Dallas family law boutique of McCurley, Orsinger, McCurley and Nelson LLP. "If one parent arbitrarily decides to sign the children up for a sports league or classes of some kind without regard to the wishes or needs of the other parent, then arguments are almost inevitable," she says. "The most troublesome thing is that it is the children who are placed squarely in the middle of the storm. After that, even if the scheduling conflicts are worked out, the enjoyment they would have gotten out of that activity likely will be tainted." Before scheduling any activity for your children that demand an extended time commitment during the summer months, check with your former spouse to determine if the activities conflict with previously scheduled work vacations, family gatherings or other important events. "No matter how much you may not want to talk to each other, you have to keep the lines of communication open," she says. "You have to look after what is in your child's best interest and find a way to let them participate in summer activities with their friends and still allow them to spend time with their other parent. "Conversely, if your daughter comes to you asking if you would be willing to change your planned visitation to later in the summer because she wants to attend band camp, keep an open mind to the request. It doesn't mean she doesn't want to spend any time with you; she just wants to spend other time with you. She is growing up and has interests that she wants to pursue. You can't deprive her of that." McCurley, Orsinger, McCurley & Nelson L.L.P. is a nationally prominent law firm and one of the largest in Texas specializing solely in Family Law. More information about the firm can be found at www.momn.com.
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Unless noted otherwise, not certified by Texas Board of Legal Specialization. |