Warrington family lawyer calls for clear communication to avoid holiday tension

A Cheshire-based family law solicitor is urging separated parents to communicate clearly and plan amid findings that a quarter of holidays are abandoned as a result of tensions between ex-partners.

Research also indicates that around half of former couples have experienced conflict due to proposed vacations, with 55 per cent revealing that the process caused them increased levels of stress or anxiety.

Around one in three parents have struggled to agree over the type of holiday being proposed and when to travel, while the same proportion said disputes had a negative impact on their children.

The data covered a total of 2,000 separated or divorced adults, exploring the challenges and obstacles faced when organising a family holiday.

Danny Hudson, partner and member of the family department at Watsons Solicitors, believes that openly discussing the subject early on can help reduce the potential for conflict.

He said: “When parties separate, communication can be poor, leading to disagreements about holiday destinations and dates.

“One party normally holds the passports, which can then lead to a stand-off scenario whereby they are effectively held to ransom.

“Getting arrangements sorted early on is essential for setting out what the agreement looks like.

“Get dates in the diary and communicate where the children will be going and who with, as it is normal practice to provide flight, holiday, and hotel information.”

Where there isn’t a natural resolution, a Specific Issue Order can be issued by the court.

This allows the judge to intervene and make a decision on a particular disagreement about a child’s upbringing, which in this instance includes whether they can go on holiday.

Danny added: “From a legal standpoint, the needs of the youngster takes priority over the dynamic between both parents.

“If an agreement can’t be reached, even after trying options such as mediation, there are legal routes available, where the child’s welfare is the paramount consideration.”

To speak to someone at Watsons Solicitors about all aspects of family law, please contact enquiries@watsonssolicitors.com or call 01925 571212.

Watsons Solicitors, which has been established for more than 60 years, specialises in family law, employment law, wills and probate, and conveyancing.

The team of experienced solicitors holds various accreditations and memberships of professional bodies relevant to their expertise, while the firm’s partners oversee all areas of work.