The Challenge of Time Management

The end of a marital relationship or cohabitation introduces complex organizational challenges, especially when children are involved. Managing summer vacations, Christmas and Easter holidays, long weekends, and birthdays can become a source of stress and conflict, undermining the children's well-being. Defining a clear and shared calendar is not just a formality, but a fundamental act of responsibility to ensure children's right to shared parenting and a balanced relationship with both parental figures. As an expert family law attorney in Milan, Avv. Marco Bianucci assists parents in drafting detailed agreements that can prevent future misunderstandings and protect the children's welfare.

The Regulatory Framework: The Principle of Shared Parenting

Italian law does not provide a standard calendar for dividing holidays, but it is based on a key principle: the child's right to maintain a continuous and balanced relationship with both parents. This principle, known as shared parenting, guides court decisions. In the absence of an agreement between the parties, the judge will establish the visitation arrangements, based solely on the child's best interest. However, a court order is often generic. For this reason, it is always preferable to reach a detailed understanding that takes into account specific family, work, and children's habits, transforming it into a formal and binding agreement.

The Bianucci Law Firm's Approach

The approach of Avv. Marco Bianucci, a family lawyer with extensive experience in Milan, is focused on conflict prevention through the drafting of highly detailed separation or divorce agreements. The goal is to create a document that functions as a true guide for parents, minimizing room for interpretation and potential causes of disputes. A well-structured agreement does not merely divide summer holidays in half but precisely regulates every practical aspect, transforming rules into a solid foundation for collaborative parenting. This strategic method allows for facing the future with greater serenity, knowing that every eventuality has been foreseen and regulated.

Defining Clear and Unambiguous Clauses

An effective agreement for managing children's time must include specific clauses. It starts with the division of summer holidays, which usually involve continuous periods of two or three weeks with each parent, specifying start and end dates. It continues with major holidays, such as Christmas and Easter, which are typically alternated annually. It is also crucial to regulate long weekends, children's and parents' birthdays, and communication methods during periods spent with the other parent. A separate section is dedicated to trips abroad, for which it is necessary to provide for the obligation to communicate the itinerary and obtain mutual consent for expatriation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are summer holidays divided between separated parents?

There is no fixed rule, but the most common practice is for children to spend two or three consecutive weeks with each parent. More detailed agreements also specify who has priority in choosing the period in even and odd years, and set a deadline for communicating their choice to allow the other parent to make arrangements. The goal is to ensure both parents have a significant holiday period with the children.

What happens for holidays like Christmas and Easter?

Major holidays are usually alternated. For example, one year the child spends the period from December 23rd to 30th with one parent and from December 30th to January 6th with the other, and the following year the periods are reversed. The same principle of alternation generally applies to Easter as well. It is important to precisely define the start and end times of each holiday period to avoid arguments.

Do I need the other parent's consent for a trip abroad with my child?

Yes, to travel abroad with a minor child, the consent of both parents exercising parental responsibility is always required. For trips within the European Union, an identity card valid for travel abroad is sufficient, while for non-EU destinations, a passport is necessary. In both cases, documents are issued only with the consent of both parents. In case of unjustified disagreement, the Guardianship Judge can be appealed to.

What should I do if the other parent does not respect the holiday schedule?

If a parent systematically violates the agreements or the court order, preventing the other parent from spending the agreed-upon time with the children, legal action can be taken. A petition can be filed with the competent court to request the forced execution of obligations, and in serious cases, it can lead to a modification of custody arrangements and financial penalties against the non-compliant parent.

Request a Consultation for Your Case

Defining a balanced visitation schedule is a crucial step in ensuring stability for your children and serenity for yourselves. If you are going through a separation or wish to modify existing agreements to make them clearer and more functional, it is essential to seek professional help. Avv. Marco Bianucci offers legal advice in Milan to help parents build personalized agreements and resolve disputes constructively. Contact the firm for an in-depth evaluation of your case and to define the most suitable strategy for your needs.