A holiday arrangement specifies how school holidays and public holidays are divided between parents. This is included in the parenting plan to avoid conflicts.
Holiday Division
Common ways to divide holidays are:
| Holiday Period | Division |
|---|---|
| Summer Holiday | 3 weeks per parent or a 2-2-2 division |
| Christmas Holiday | Alternating per year |
| Spring Holiday | Alternating annually |
| May Holiday | Divided every other year |
| Autumn Holiday | Alternating each year |
Public Holidays Arrangement
Public holidays are often explicitly recorded:
- Christmas: First Christmas Day with one parent, second Christmas Day with the other (or vice versa)
- Easter: Similar division as Christmas
- Child's Birthday: Child celebrates with both parents or alternating annually
- Mother's Day and Father's Day: Child with the relevant parent
Making Agreements
When drawing up an arrangement for holidays:
- Set a final date for notifying holiday plans
- Determine who gets to choose first
- Regulate what to do in case of conflicting wishes
- Take into account both parents' work schedules
- Consider rules for international travel (consent)
Travel Abroad
For holidays outside the Netherlands:
- Notify the other parent in good time
- Share the travel destination and contact information
- With joint parental authority: consent is officially required for travel documents
- Carry a consent form with you (recommended)
Passport and Identity Card
With joint parental authority, both parents must agree to the application for a passport or ID card for the child. This also applies to international travel.
What if we cannot reach agreement on the holiday division?
Try to reach a solution together first. If that fails, a mediator can assist. As a last resort, the court can impose an arrangement.Is consent from my ex needed for a foreign holiday?
With joint parental authority, consent is formally required. Within Europe, informal agreement is often reached, but for destinations outside Europe, a written declaration is advisable.Can I go on holiday longer than agreed?
This is only permitted with the consent of the other parent. Unilaterally deviating from the arrangement without consent may be regarded as obstructing contact.Frequently Asked Questions
How can the summer holiday be divided fairly?The summer holiday is often split into periods of 3 weeks per parent or in a 2-2-2 schedule. Make clear agreements about who chooses first and record this in the parenting plan. Take work obligations into account to prevent tension.
Can I travel abroad without the other parent's consent?
With joint parental authority, consent is officially required. Within Europe, verbal agreement is often reached, but outside Europe, a written agreement is recommended. Without consent, legal problems may arise, such as border refusal.
What if my ex does not cooperate with the holiday arrangement?
Try to find a solution first through discussions or mediation. If this does not work, the court can make a decision. Document all communication to strengthen your position in any proceedings.
How do I arrange public holidays such as Christmas and birthdays?
Public holidays are often divided alternately, such as first Christmas Day with one parent and second Christmas Day with the other. For birthdays, the child can see both parents or alternate annually. Mother's Day and Father's Day are spent with the relevant parent.
May I unilaterally amend the holiday arrangement?
No, unilateral changes without the other parent's consent are not permitted. This may have legal consequences. In case of disagreement, you can consider mediation or ask the court for a ruling.
Local Information Utrecht
For legal support in Utrecht, you can go to:
- District Court Midden-Nederland: Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1, Utrecht
- Juridisch Loket Utrecht: Catharijnesingel 55, Utrecht