Division of School Holidays Between Parents in Westland

Division of School Holidays Between Parents in Westland

The division of school holidays parents Westland describes how separated or cohabiting parents with joint parental authority in the Westland region fairly divide their children's fixed school holidays. This minimises disputes and ensures equal quality time. School holidays are uniformly set by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) and apply to primary schools and secondary education (VO), with regional differences.

What are school holidays in Westland?

School holidays constitute the official free days for pupils in primary and secondary education. They are published annually by OCW and typically run from Friday evening to Monday morning. Westland falls under the South region, with five blocks: autumn, Christmas, spring, May and summer holidays. Dates vary slightly by type of education.

These periods are mandatory; deviation is not permitted. Check current dates on the Rijksoverheid website or via local school calendars in Westland.

Statutory basis in family law

The division of school holidays parents Westland is governed by Book 1 of the Dutch Civil Code (CC). Parents with joint parental authority (art. 1:251 CC) share upbringing and care. For holidays, art. 1:257 CC applies: not refusing reasonable proposals from the other parent without good reason. Disputes are handled by the District Court of The Hague (district covering Westland).

• Parenting plan (art. 1:247 CC): Mandatory upon divorce, including holiday arrangements.
• Settlement agreement: Informal written agreements.
• Judicial decision: In case of deadlock, the court decides primarily on the basis of the child's best interests (art. 1:257(2) CC). See also our holiday arrangements for children.

No fixed formula; tailor-made based on distance, work and child welfare. Local assistance via Juridisch Loket Westland.

Practical division of school holidays

Parents in Westland often draw up a holiday arrangement in the parenting plan. Common options:

1. Alternating per year: In odd years, parent A gets summer holiday and Christmas, parent B gets autumn and May; even years vice versa.
2. Splitting long holidays: Halve the summer (first part parent 1, remainder parent 2). Short holidays rotate.
3. Time proportions: 45% per parent, plus flex days.

Example 1: Westland with residential distance

Mother in 's-Gravenzande (Westland, South region), father in Rotterdam. Agreement: halve the summer taking regional dates into account, Christmas alternating with joint transport on 25 Dec. This way everyone shares the long periods.

Example 2: Dispute in Westland

No agreement on spring holiday. Father plans trip, mother blocks. The District Court of The Hague (ECLI:NL:RBDHA:2023:5678, fictitious) rules: refusal unjustified unless child's best interests prevail (e.g. therapy). Cooperation is mandatory.

Rights and obligations of parents in Westland

Rights:

• Submit reasonable holiday requests (art. 1:257 CC).
• Refuse if child's best interests are harmed (e.g. medical appointments).
• Initiate proceedings at the District Court of The Hague in case of refusal.

• Consult in a child-centred manner (art. 1:251 CC).
• Respect agreements.
• Involve the child in the schedule.

Breach risks adjustment of the arrangement or sanctions. Advice: Juridisch Loket Westland.

Frequently asked questions Westland