Spring Break Custody Schedules
Spring break gives each parent a realistic window for family travel. Most parenting plans alternate years rather than splitting the week — travel logistics make halves hard.
by The CoreParent Co-Founders · Last updated
Typical arrangements
Parent A takes even years, Parent B takes odd years. Full 9-day span (including both weekends). Each parent can plan a real vacation every other year.
First half with one parent, second half with the other. Works when both parents are local and neither plans to travel. Less common due to travel logistics.
Spring break follows the regular week-on-week-off or 2-2-5-5 calendar. Only works when the regular schedule naturally produces roughly equal coverage and neither parent has trip plans.
Common conflict scenarios
Parenting plans should require written travel itinerary (flights, hotel, return info) 30 days in advance. Interstate is usually notice-only; international may require co-parent consent, especially for under-16s who need a consent letter for customs.
Plans should specify: school trips take priority over custody time, and the off-parent gets make-up time. Spell this out — it avoids annual arguments.
Other holiday schedules
Mother's Day with the mother, Father's Day with the father. Nearly universal across parenting plans. The only real decisions are pickup time and what happens when a parent is traveling.
ReadEaster Sunday, Passover, and related spring religious holidays usually alternate years between co-parents. Plans should name the specific dates — 'Easter Sunday' is not the same as 'Easter weekend.'
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