MidDay with Darla: Doran & Cawthorne / Co-Parenting during Summer Break

May 28, 2026 - 22:42

LAFAYETTE, La. - Summer break can bring both joy and stress for divorced or separated parents. Raven Boxie, an associate attorney with Doran & Cawthorne, recently shared practical advice for navigating co-parenting during the long school vacation.

One major issue is travel. Boxie reminded parents to check their custody agreements before booking trips. Many orders require written permission or advance notice if a parent plans to take the child out of state or across the country. Failing to get approval can lead to legal trouble, even if the trip seems harmless.

Flexibility is another key point. Summer schedules often differ from the school year, so parents may need to adjust visitation times or swap weeks. Boxie suggested putting any changes in writing, even a simple email, to avoid misunderstandings later.

Communication, she said, is the foundation of a smooth summer. Parents should keep each other informed about activities, medical needs, and contact information while the child is away. A shared calendar app or regular check-ins can help reduce conflict.

Boxie also warned against using the child as a messenger. Instead, parents should talk directly to each other about scheduling or discipline issues. The goal, she noted, is to give the child a stable, happy summer without putting them in the middle of adult disagreements.