How Summer and Holiday Parenting Schedules Are Handled

When parents divorce or separate in California, the standard custody arrangement usually works well during the school year. However, during summer and holidays, a different, more thoughtful approach is needed. Without a clear plan in place, these times of high anticipation can become a source of conflict. Understanding how the California courts handle schedules can help parents prepare ahead and protect the well-being of their children.

Why Seasonal Schedules Matter

California Family Code § 3020 establishes the state’s policy goal of ensuring children have frequent and continued contact with both parents after separation. This principle is reflected in the way courts structure summer and holiday parenting arrangements, as both parents generally have the right to spend meaningful time with their children during these special periods.

Standard school-year custody arrangements often do not include long breaks. For this reason, judges and lawyers usually include a separate holiday and summer schedule in the Custody and Visitation Order (Judicial Council Form FL-341), which creates clear expectations for each family.

How Summer Parenting Time Is Typically Divided

Summer is the most significant extended break for many families and usually receives the most attention in a parenting plan. Here are some common approaches:

Extended Parenting Blocks: The non-primary caregiver may receive two to six weeks of uninterrupted time during the summer, with advanced written notice required.
Alternating Weeks: Some families use a weekly rotation throughout the summer to ensure both parents have equal time.
Split Summer: Each parent takes the first or second half of the break, maintaining consistent routines.
Proportional Division: Families with a 60/40 or 70/30 split adjust to a more equal 50/50 balance during the summer.

Courts have broad discretion under California Family Code § 3040 to create an arrangement that best serves the child’s interests. There is no single formula that must be followed, as individual family circumstances always determine the outcome.

Holiday Schedule Frameworks

Holidays require even more careful planning. A well-thought-out schedule will take each major holiday into account and typically rotate them on an odd/even basis. Common holidays included in parenting schedules in California include:

Thanksgiving and the Christmas/Winter break
Spring break and the Easter weekend
The Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Memorial Day
Mothers’ and Fathers’ Days (each parent gets the respective holiday)
Children’s birthdays and each parent’s birthday

Holiday schedules often take precedence over regular custody schedules for that specific period. It’s important to note that if Christmas falls within a parent’s regular schedule, but the court order grants the other parent custody from Christmas Eve to Christmas Day, then holiday provisions will apply. Courts expect both parents to comply with these provisions in good faith, as outlined in Family Code §3100.

What Happens When Parents Disagree

Disputes over summer and holiday schedules are common after a divorce or separation. If parents can’t agree on changes, one of them can file a Request for Order (Form FL-300), asking the court to decide. The judge will consider the best interests of the child and look at factors such as the child’s age, school schedule, travel plans, and how each parent has followed the current agreement.

In 2026, courts in California continued to encourage parents to try mediation before scheduling a hearing. Many courts in Riverside and San Bernardino counties required a mediation session with Family Court Services before a judge would hear a disputed custody case.

Planning Ahead: Practical Tips

Proactive planning can help reduce conflict and protect your parenting time. Here are some steps you can take:

Get specific dates and times in writing. Vague language like “reasonable visitation” can lead to disputes. Instead, be specific about when and how often your child will see each parent.
Include a procedure for giving notice of vacation and obtaining travel consent, especially if your child’s other parent is traveling outside of your state or country.
Address school-break dates, rather than relying solely on calendar dates. These can change from year to year, so it’s better to have specific dates agreed upon.
Revisit the schedule regularly as your child grows. What worked for a toddler might not be suitable for a teenager, so it’s important to adjust the plan accordingly.

Speak with a California Custody Attorney

At Roberts & Zatlin, our family law attorneys have more than 30 years of experience and a deep understanding of how courts approach parenting plans during summer and holidays. If you need assistance in negotiating a new parenting plan or modifying an existing one, we are here to help.