Division of School Holidays Between Parents in Zoetermeer

Division of School Holidays Between Parents in Zoetermeer

The division of school holidays between parents in Zoetermeer regulates how separated or cohabiting parents with joint parental authority divide the fixed school holidays of their children. Zoetermeer falls under the Central region, which affects the holiday dates. This prevents disputes and ensures a fair distribution of quality time. School holidays are regulated nationally for primary and secondary schools.

What are school holidays in the Central region (Zoetermeer)?

School holidays are official free periods for primary schools and secondary education, established by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. They usually run from Friday to Sunday (or Monday morning). The five blocks are: autumn, Christmas, spring, May, and summer holidays. Dates vary by region: North, Central, and South.

These dates are mandatory; parents may not send children to school during holidays. Check current information on the Government website or local Zoetermeer school calendars.

Legal basis for division in Zoetermeer

The division of school holidays between parents falls under family law in Book 1 of the Dutch Civil Code. Parents with joint parental authority (art. 1:251 Dutch Civil Code) divide care and upbringing. Art. 1:257 Dutch Civil Code requires not rejecting reasonable proposals without good reason. In Zoetermeer, disputes are handled by the District Court of The Hague (district).

• Parenting plan (art. 1:247 Dutch Civil Code): Mandatory upon divorce, including holiday rules.
• Settlement agreement: Arrangements without court, e.g., via Legal Aid Office Zoetermeer.
• Judicial decision: In case of conflict, the judge decides based on the child's best interests (art. 1:257(2) Dutch Civil Code). See also our holiday arrangements for children.

No fixed formula; consideration of distance, work, and child's routine. In Zoetermeer, conveniently via local mediation.

Practical division of school holidays

Parents in Zoetermeer often make rules in the parenting plan or a holiday addendum. Common options:

1. Alternating per year: In odd years, parent A gets summer holiday and Christmas, parent B gets autumn/spring; even years vice versa.
2. Halving: Split summer holiday (Central region: 13 July-1 Sept), alternate short holidays.
3. Percentage-based: E.g., 45% father, 45% mother, rest flexible.

Example 1: Co-parenting Zoetermeer-Rotterdam

Mother in Zoetermeer (Central), father in Rotterdam. Agreement: halve summer holiday using Central region dates, alternate Christmas with pickup on First Christmas Day. Ideal for short distance.

Example 2: Conflict in Zoetermeer

No agreement on May holiday. Father plans trip, mother blocks. Judge (District Court of The Hague, fictional ECLI:NL:RBDHA:2023:5678) rules: refusal unjustified unless child's best interests prevail. Mother must consent.

Rights and obligations of parents in Zoetermeer

Rights:

• Make reasonable proposal (art. 1:257 Dutch Civil Code).
• Refuse if harm to child (e.g., sick leave).
• Go to District Court of The Hague in deadlock.

• Consult child's best interests (art. 1:251 Dutch Civil Code).
• Comply with agreements.
• Inform child.

Breach? Possible care modification or sanction. Help via Legal Aid Office Zoetermeer.

Frequently asked questions