Family law
How Are Holidays and Summer Break Usually Split Between Parents?
Quick answer
When parents live apart, the regular weekly schedule often changes for holidays and summer break. This page explains, in general terms, how those special times are commonly divided.
Last updated June 2026
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How holidays and summer are usually split
Why Holidays and Summer Are Handled Separately
A normal parenting schedule covers ordinary weeks, but holidays and long school breaks are treated as their own category because both parents usually want time on the same special days. To avoid conflict every year, many parenting plans spell out holidays and summer separately from the regular routine, and the holiday plan generally overrides the weekly schedule when the two overlap.
The goal is to give each parent meaningful time during the moments that matter to a family, such as major holidays, school vacations, and each child's birthday, in a way that is predictable and does not require renegotiating every year.
Common Ways Holidays Are Divided
A very common approach is to alternate holidays by year, so one parent has a holiday in odd years and the other has it in even years. Some plans instead assign certain holidays permanently to one parent, for example when a holiday is especially tied to one side of the family. Another frequent method is splitting a single day, such as one parent having the morning and the other having the afternoon or evening.
Plans often distinguish between a holiday itself and any connected days off from school, and they usually set clear pickup and drop off times so the exchange is smooth. How holidays are grouped and labeled can vary by state and even by county, so it is worth checking your state's guide for the terms and defaults commonly used where you live.
How Summer Break Is Commonly Handled
Summer often shifts the balance of time because school is out and one parent may get an extended block that would not fit during the school year. A common structure gives each parent a set number of weeks of uninterrupted summer time, sometimes taken in one stretch and sometimes broken into shorter blocks, which can help a parent who lives farther away or wants to plan a trip.
Plans frequently include practical details like advance notice before a summer block begins, how vacation travel is handled, and whether the regular schedule pauses or continues during summer time. The exact structure and any default rules vary by state, so review your state's guide before assuming how summer will be treated in your situation.
Putting It in Writing
Because memories and expectations differ, most parents find it far easier when the holiday and summer arrangement is written down clearly rather than left to yearly negotiation. A written plan can name each holiday, state who has the children and when, and describe how summer weeks are chosen, which reduces confusion and disagreement later.
Onbello is a document preparation service, not a law firm, and this is general information rather than legal advice. What a court will approve and the specific defaults that apply depend on your state and your family's circumstances, so use your state's guide and consider how a clear schedule fits your own situation.
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This page is general legal information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney–client relationship. Laws and local rules vary and change. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed family-law attorney in your state.