Summer Custody Rights Clarified

Summary

In Iowa, if a custody agreement specifies that you have the children for two weeks in the summer, this should be adhered to. If the mother is unable to care for the children during her designated time, you as the father have the right to take over. Consult a local family law attorney for specific advice.

Full Conversation

I currently have a permanent custody agreement in place with my ex we share primary legal custody and she has primary physical care so does she have the right to say where my child stays during summer like with her mother instead of going with me, the father
Hello ****, could you please specify the jurisdiction (state/country) where your custody agreement is in place? The laws regarding custody can vary significantly by location.
Howard County Iowa
Hello ****. In Iowa:
- Both parents have equal rights unless otherwise stated in the custody agreement.
- If the agreement doesn't specify summer visitation, you may need to seek modification.
Please contact a local family law attorney for specific advice.
The order states I get two weeks in the summertime however, if she’s not taking care of the kids or the kids aren’t residing with her during the summer, they be with me or don’t I have the right to that
Hello ****. In Iowa, if the custody agreement specifies you have the children for two weeks in summer, this should be followed. If the mother isn't taking care of them, you have the right to have them for that duration. Consult a local family law attorney for further clarification.
I have the right to take care of them during the duration that she’s not taking care of them you mean
Yes, ****. In Iowa, if the mother is unable to fulfill her designated custody time, you as the father are the next appropriate caretaker. Please consult a local family law attorney to confirm.