It is hard to believe right now but within a few weeks, Arizona’s summer heat will begin to cool. And just like that, Fall Break is right around the corner. While students are looking forward to time off, for co-parents, this extended school break can create added stress if parenting arrangements aren’t clearly defined. In some school districts, Fall Break spans two full school weeks, while in others it’s just a long weekend, making coordination between households imperative and sometimes challenging.
If your parenting plan doesn’t clearly outline how Fall Break is shared, now is the time to act. Waiting until October to address these issues often leads to last-minute conflict, disrupted plans, and unnecessary stress for both parents and children.
At McMurdie Law & Mediation, we regularly help families prepare for schedule changes like these, whether through minor agreements, parenting plan modifications, or mediation. Here’s how you can make Fall Break a smoother experience for everyone involved.
Why Fall Break Requires Advance Planning
Arizona’s school calendars vary widely, and so do the custody arrangements of co-parents. If one parent’s district has a two-week break while the others are different, or if children are in different schools, the resulting overlap, or lack thereof, or missed opportunity for family plans can create confusion and even frustration.
Some of the common issues we see around Fall Break include:
- Uncertainty about how to split time during the break
- Lack of childcare coverage if both parents are working
- One parent planning a trip without the other’s agreement
- Missed parenting time that leads to frustration or resentment
These issues can typically be avoided with early communication and proactive planning, well before the first day of break arrives.
Is Fall Break in Your Parenting Plan?
If your parenting plan was developed in Arizona, it likely addresses major holidays like Thanksgiving, winter break with Christmas, and longer summer school break. However Fall Break and Spring Break are often missed. If your fall break was omitted, that may leave both parents in a gray area that requires cooperation and flexibility.
Some common approaches co-parents use to divide Fall Break include:
- Alternating the break each year (odd/even year arrangement)
- Splitting the break evenly between both parents
- One parent taking the break in exchange for make-up time later
- Sharing time based on who has vacation availability
If your current arrangement isn’t working or doesn’t fit your school district’s updated calendar, you might need to consider a temporary agreement or even a formal modification to your parenting plan.
Travel and Holiday Planning During Fall Break
Fall Break is a great time for family trips especially when it’s less crowded than winter or summer holidays. However, if travel is on your radar, it’s important to plan well in advance and follow any travel-related requirements in your parenting plan.
Most Arizona parenting plans require:
- Written notice of travel plans
- Destination and lodging information
- Contact details and itinerary
- Mutual agreement for out-of-state travel
Even if not required, providing this information voluntarily shows respect for your co-parent and helps prevent misunderstandings.
What If You Can’t Reach an Agreement?
If you and your co-parent can’t agree on how to share time during Fall Break, it’s wise to seek help before conflict escalates. Mediation is often the best first step. It allows both parties to come together with a neutral facilitator and reach a fair agreement without involving the court.
At McMurdie Law & Mediation, we help parents resolve school-year scheduling conflicts, holiday disagreements, and parenting plan updates through private mediation or legal counsel. The earlier you address issues, the more likely you are to avoid the added stress of legal intervention.
Learn more about our family mediation services here →
Consider a Parenting Plan Update
If Fall Break is always a challenge, or if your children’s needs or school schedules have changed, it might be time to consider updating your parenting plan. This can ensure clarity not just for this break, but for future holidays, school years, and special events.
Parenting plan modifications can be made through agreement or, when needed, court petition. Our firm offers support for both pathways, always aiming for the least disruptive and most child-focused solution.
Start Planning Fall Break Now
Parenting during school breaks doesn’t have to be stressful, but it does require communication, clarity, and cooperation. By planning now, you’ll help your child feel secure and supported and avoid unnecessary legal or emotional battles. Fall Break will be here before you know it.
If you need help adjusting your parenting plan, coordinating a travel schedule, or resolving disagreements about how to share time, contact McMurdie Law & Mediation today. We’ll help you approach the school year with confidence and create a plan that works for your whole family.