Queensland School Holiday Parenting Arrangements: A Practical Family Law Guide

Essential School Holiday Checklist for Separated Parents

 

1. Review your existing Court Orders

If you already have Parenting Orders, start by checking what they say about school holiday time. These orders must be followed unless both parents formally agree to change them. If you’re unsure about what the orders require, or if you believe following them may not be in the children’s best interests, get legal advice early. Failing to comply could result in a contravention application.

2. Review any Parenting Plan you have in place

A Parenting Plan isn’t legally binding, but it’s still an important guide. Changing it without notifying or consulting the other parent can create conflict, and if the matter ever ends up in court, your behaviour around cooperation will be considered. If changes are needed, aim to agree in writing.

3. No Court Orders or Parenting Plan?

If nothing formal is in place, start discussions early. If direct communication is difficult or tense, Family Dispute Resolution (mediation) is usually recommended. You can also negotiate through a family lawyer to help avoid misunderstandings or emotional escalation. Need help negotiating? If communication is breaking down, our family lawyers can step in. Contact us today.

4. Plan for key holiday dates

Major holidays like Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day often carry strong emotional weight. Agreements should be clear about who the children spend time with on these days. Many families alternate these days each year or split the day where practical.

5. Consider extended family, social events, and travel

Children benefit from spending time with grandparents, cousins and close friends, especially during holidays. Be open to reasonable requests that support their relationships and experiences, including interstate or overseas travel (where legally permitted).

6. Factor in work obligations

December and January are unpredictable for many parents — shift work, leave periods and extended trading hours can all affect availability. Let each other know about work commitments early so the children’s routines can be planned around them.

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Parenting Orders vs Parenting Plans: What’s the Legal Difference?

 

Parenting Orders

These are legally enforceable and set out how much time the children spend with each parent. They often include specific rules for school holidays. If your orders don’t cover holiday arrangements, you may need to consider a variation before the next holiday period.

Parenting Plans

A Parenting Plan is a written agreement between parents and is designed to be flexible. It’s not enforceable like a court order, but courts may consider it if a dispute later arises. Parenting Plans work best when parents communicate openly and make adjustments together.

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 Key Principles for Smooth Holiday Arrangements

Plan early. Holiday time is limited and highly valued. The earlier you start the conversation, the easier it is to avoid conflict.

Keep the children’s stability at the centre. Consistent routines, familiar transitions and clear expectations help children adapt — especially after separation.

Be fair and flexible. Holidays offer valuable bonding opportunities. Ensuring children spend meaningful time with both parents is generally encouraged.

Consider family gatherings and social commitments. Where possible, support the children’s connection with extended family on both sides.

Communicate respectfully. Even when things are tense, keeping communication calm and focused on the children reduces stress for everyone.

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Handling Disputes or Changing Circumstances

If disagreements occur, try to resolve them quickly. Mediation can help you reach an agreement before the holidays start. If mediation isn’t successful, or if your current orders or plan no longer meet the children’s needs, legal advice may be needed to update your arrangements.

Disputes escalate quickly. Don’t wait until the last minute, get advice on mediation options today. Contact our family lawyers now.

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 Tips for Smoother Transitions Between Households

• Confirm handover times and locations well in advance

• Stick to agreed times unless there’s an emergency

• Provide reassurance to younger children who may find transitions harder

• Avoid negative comments about the other parent around handover

• Keep children informed about what to expect so the shift between homes feels predictable

 

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Upcoming Queensland School Holiday Dates (State Schools)

2025–2026 Summer Holidays: 13 December – 26 January
2026 Autumn Holidays: 3 April – 19 April
2026 Winter Holidays: 27 June – 12 July

Current term dates from the Education Queensland website. Independent and Catholic school dates may differ, so always check your school’s calendar especially if your Parenting Order or Plan specifies exact pick-up or return dates.

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Back to School: Planning for Term-Time After the Holidays

As the holidays wrap up, the “back to school” period brings its own pressures. For separated parents, this transition can trigger fresh disagreements if expectations aren’t clear. Planning ahead helps children start the school year calm and organised.

Here are key considerations:

1. Confirm school start dates and handover arrangements
Make sure both parents know when school resumes, who is responsible for drop-off, and what time transitions occur.

2. Update each other on school requirements
Uniform needs, booklists, stationery, extracurricular activities and fees should be discussed early so both parents know what’s handled and what’s still needed.

3. Coordinate school communication
Where possible, both parents should receive school emails, newsletters and notifications. Many Queensland schools allow dual email contacts.

4. Plan for homework and routines
Children benefit from consistent expectations across households. Try to align rules around homework, bedtime, device use and after-school commitments.

5. Keep school informed if needed
Queensland schools cannot enforce court orders, but they can note them and follow safety-related instructions. If there are Parenting Orders that affect collection or contact, ensure the school has an up-to-date copy.

For more detail, please read our article here “Separated Parents and Schooling: Navigating Education During Separation” for a deeper look at ongoing school-related responsibilities.

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Need Help With Holiday or School-Related Parenting Arrangements?

If you’re facing challenges with holiday arrangements, need to update your Parenting Order or Parenting Plan, or want guidance for the back-to-school period, the family law team at Bennett Carroll Solicitors can help.

We assist families across Queensland with offices in Brisbane, Ipswich, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast and most clients receive full legal support without ever needing to visit an office.

Reach out to our family lawyers today for tailored, practical advice that protects your children’s well-being and helps you navigate the school holiday period with confidence.