Division of Children's School Holidays in Zoetermeer
The division of children's school holidays in Zoetermeer regulates how separated or living-apart parents fill the 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. In Zoetermeer, district of the District Court of The Hague, in case of disputes you can go to the District Court of The Hague or the Zoetermeer Legal Aid Office.
What is the division of school holidays?
In the Netherlands, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science sets the holidays per region (North, Central, South), including autumn, Christmas, May, and summer holidays. For Zoetermeer (Central region), a specific schedule applies. In the division of children's school holidays, parents make agreements, such as alternating or equally divided. This supports co-parenting with a focus on the child: stability, peace, and bond with both parents.
In case of disagreement, a mediator or the District Court of The Hague can help. The child's best interests are central.
Legal frameworks
The division of children's school holidays falls under family law in Book 1 of the Dutch Civil Code:
- Art. 1:251 DCC: Joint authority requires consultation on holidays.
- Art. 1:257 DCC: Regulates residence and care; holidays aligned therewith.
- Art. 1:261 DCC: Court decides in disputes over authority or holiday arrangements.
Example divisions of school holidays
Parents in Zoetermeer often choose fixed patterns. Table with options for the Central region:
| Holiday | Duration (approx.) | Option 1 | Option 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn holiday | 1 week | Mon-Wed parent A, rest parent B | Alternating annually |
| Christmas holiday | 2 weeks | Week 1 parent A, week 2 parent B | Together on Christmas Day |
| May holiday | 1 week | With alternating parent | Equally divided |
| Summer holiday | 6 weeks | 2 weeks A, 2 weeks B, 2 free | Odd year A, even year B |
Adapted to care division, such as 50/50.
Practice cases Zoetermeer
Case 1: Father weekdays, mother weekends (art. 1:257 DCC). Summer: father first 3 weeks, mother last 3 – no school trips.
Case 2: 50/50 co-parenting: Christmas alternating; odd years mother first half, father second; even years vice versa. New Year's Eve with one parent.
Case 3: Mother books solo trip. Father to District Court of The Hague (art. 1:261 DCC); trip stopped due to breach of division.
Rights and obligations
- Duty to inform: Both parents informed of 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: Review upon changes via mediator or Zoetermeer Legal Aid Office.
Frequently asked questions
Can I book unilaterally?
No, consultation is mandatory (art. 1:251 DCC). Otherwise risk of court prohibition.
What if co-parent refuses?
Mediator or request to District Court of The Hague (art. 1:261 DCC). Document in writing.
Does it apply to cohabiting non-separated parents?
Yes, with joint authority. Sole caregiver has more freedom.