School holidays can be a wonderful opportunity for children to relax, spend time with family and enjoy a break from routine. However, for separated parents, holidays can also be a source of stress and disagreement, particularly when there is uncertainty about where children should spend their time.

Disputes over holiday arrangements are common, even where term‑time contact works well. At Ridley & Hall, we regularly support parents through these challenges, always with the child’s welfare as the central focus.

Why School Holidays Can Be Challenging

Unlike term time, school holidays often disrupt established routines. Parents may have different expectations about how time should be shared, particularly where work commitments, travel plans or extended family arrangements are involved.

Common issues parents face include:

• Disagreement about how school holidays should be divided
• One parent wants longer blocks of time, while the other prefers shorter periods
• Concerns about children being away from a parent for too long
• Difficulties coordinating holiday contact with work commitments
• Disputes about taking children away on holiday, either in the UK or abroad

For children, frequent conflict or uncertainty about plans can be unsettling. Clear, predictable arrangements help children feel secure and allow them to enjoy their holidays without anxiety.

What Does the Law Say?

There is no single “correct” way to divide school holidays. The law does not prescribe a fixed formula. Instead, arrangements should be guided by what is in the child’s best interests.

Where parents can agree on holiday arrangements between themselves, the courts actively encourage this. However, where agreement cannot be reached, the court may become involved, and its overriding consideration will always be the child’s welfare.

Putting the Child First

When deciding holiday arrangements, it is important to focus on what the child needs, rather than what feels “fair” to the adults involved. Longer periods with one parent may work well for some children, while others benefit from more regular contact with both parents.

Clear communication, early planning and flexibility can make a significant difference. Agreeing on holiday arrangements well in advance allows children to feel settled and helps parents manage expectations.

What If You Cannot agree?

If discussions become difficult or break down, early legal advice can be invaluable. Taking advice does not mean that court proceedings are inevitable. In many cases, issues can be resolved through negotiation, mediation or the careful drafting of child‑focused proposals.

Where court proceedings are necessary, it is important to have clear guidance and representation to ensure that your child’s welfare is properly considered.

How Ridley & Hall Can Help

At Ridley & Hall, our Family Team understands how emotive holiday arrangements can be. We provide clear, compassionate advice to help parents navigate these issues with confidence.

We can assist by:

• Advising you on your legal position regarding the school holiday contract
• Helping you negotiate practical, child‑focused arrangements
• Supporting you through mediation
• Drafting or reviewing proposals and agreements
• Representing you in court where an agreement cannot be reached

Our approach is always focused on reducing conflict and supporting arrangements that promote stability, security and positive relationships for children.

Supporting Children Through the Holidays

School holidays should be a time for children to relax and enjoy meaningful time with both parents. With the right support and guidance, even difficult discussions can be managed in a way that prioritises children’s emotional well-being.

If you are experiencing difficulties agreeing on school holiday arrangements, or would like advice before problems arise, our Family Team is here to help.

Corinne Barnett, Family Solicitor