Division of Children's School Holidays in Rotterdam
The division of children's school holidays Rotterdam determines how separated or living-apart parents in the Rotterdam region fill the official school holidays with their children. This promotes harmony and stability for the child. In cases of joint custody, parents decide jointly, ideally recorded in a parenting plan. In Rotterdam, under the jurisdiction of the Rechtbank Rotterdam (Wilhelminaplein 100-125), disputes about this are handled.
What is the division of school holidays?
School holidays in the Netherlands are set by the Ministry of OCW and vary by region (North, Central, South). Rotterdam falls under the South region. Examples include autumn, Christmas, May, and summer holidays. In the division of children's school holidays Rotterdam, parents make agreements, such as alternating or equally divided. This is essential for co-parenting, with priority for the child: stability, continuity, and bond with both parents.
In case of disagreement, a mediator can help or the Rechtbank Rotterdam can intervene. The child's best interest is central.
Legal basis
The division of children's school holidays Rotterdam falls under family law in Book 1 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW):
- Art. 1:251 BW: Joint custody requires consultation on holidays.
- Art. 1:257 BW: Regulates residence and care; holidays aligned therewith.
- Art. 1:261 BW: Court decides in disputes, possibly via Rechtbank Rotterdam.
Typical divisions of school holidays South region
Parents in Rotterdam often choose fixed patterns. Table with South region holidays:
| Holiday | Duration (approx.) | Option 1 | Option 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn holiday | 1 week | Half-half (Mon-Wed A, rest B) | Alternating annually |
| Christmas holiday | 2 weeks | Week 1 A, week 2 B | Together on Christmas days |
| May holiday | 1 week | With alternating parent | Equally divided |
| Summer holiday | 6 weeks | 2 weeks A, 2 B, 2 free | Odd year A, even B |
Adjusted to care division (50/50 or otherwise).
Practical examples Rotterdam
Example 1: Father weekdays, mother weekends (art. 1:257 BW). Summer: father first 3 weeks, mother last 3, fitting Rotterdam school calendar.
Example 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.
Example 3: Mother plans solo trip without consultation. Father litigates at Rechtbank Rotterdam (art. 1:261 BW); trip canceled due to breach of division.
Rights and obligations
- Duty to provide information: Sharing holiday schedules and school info.
- Duty to consult: 4-6 weeks in advance (case law).
- Leave right: No unilateral taking (art. 1:251 BW).
- Child's best interest: Court rules in conflict.
- Adjustment: Review upon changes via mediator or Juridisch Loket Rotterdam.
Frequently asked questions
Can I book unilaterally?
No, consultation is mandatory (art. 1:251 BW). Otherwise risk of judicial intervention by Rechtbank Rotterdam.
What if non-cooperation?
Mediator or request binding arrangement (art. 1:261 BW). Document everything.
Applies to living-apart without divorce?
Yes, in joint custody. Sole caregiver has more freedom.