Division of Children's School Holidays in Westland
The division of children's school holidays in Westland regulates how separated or living-apart parents from this region fill the official school holidays with their children. This promotes harmony and stability for the child. Parents with joint authority decide on this jointly, ideally recorded in a parenting plan.
What is the division of school holidays in Westland?
In the Netherlands, including Westland (South region), the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science sets the school holidays: autumn, Christmas, May, and summer holidays. In the division of children's school holidays, parents make agreements on the arrangement, such as rotating or equally divided. This is essential in co-parenting, with priority for the child: stability, continuity, and bond with both parents.
In case of disputes, a mediator or the District Court of The Hague (district Westland) can mediate. The child's best interests are always central.
Legal basis in Westland
The division of children's school holidays falls under family law in Book 1 of the Dutch Civil Code:
- Article 1:251 DCC: Joint authority requires consultation on holidays.
- Article 1:257 DCC: Regulates residence and care; holidays aligned therewith.
- Article 1:261 DCC: Court decides in case of deadlock on authority or holiday arrangements.
Typical divisions of school holidays in Westland
Parents in Westland opt for clear patterns. Table with common holidays (South region):
| Holiday | Duration (approx.) | Option 1 | Option 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn holiday | 1 week | Half-half (Mon-Wed A, rest B) | Rotating per year |
| Christmas holiday | 2 weeks | Week 1 A, week 2 B | Together on first Christmas day |
| May holiday | 1 week | With alternating parent | Equally divided |
| Summer holiday | 6 weeks | 2 weeks A, 2 B, 2 free | Odd year A starts, even B |
Adapted to care division, such as 50/50 or otherwise.
Practical examples Westland
Example 1: Father weekdays, mother weekends (art. 1:257 DCC). Summer: father first 3 weeks, mother last 3 – no travel time during school period.
Example 2: 50/50 co-parenting: Christmas rotates – odd years mother first half, father second; even years vice versa. New Year's Eve with one parent.
Example 3: Mother plans solo trip. Father to District Court of The Hague (art. 1:261 DCC); trip stopped due to breach of division of children's school holidays.
Rights and obligations of parents in Westland
- Duty to provide information: Both parents know the holiday schedule.
- Duty to consult: Share plans 4-6 weeks in advance.
- Leave right: No unilateral taking along (art. 1:251 DCC).
- Child's best interests: No child choice; court decides.
- Right to adjustment: Change in case of changes via mediator or Juridisch Loket Westland.
Frequently asked questions
Can I book unilaterally?
No, consultation is mandatory (art. 1:251 DCC). Otherwise risk of court prohibition.
What in case of non-cooperation?
Mediator or request to District Court of The Hague (art. 1:261 DCC). Document in writing.
Applies to living-apart without divorce?
Yes, with joint authority. Sole caregiver has more leeway.