Division of School Holidays Between Parents in Leiden

Division of School Holidays Between Parents in Leiden

The division of school holidays parents Leiden regulates how separated or living apart parents with joint parental authority divide the fixed school holidays of their children. This prevents conflicts and ensures a fair division of quality time. School holidays are nationally established and apply to primary schools and secondary schools in the Central region, under which Leiden falls.

What are school holidays in Leiden?

School holidays are the official free periods for pupils in primary schools and secondary education. They are annually determined by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) and apply from Friday through Sunday (or Monday morning). There are five main blocks: autumn, Christmas, spring, May, and summer holidays. Leiden falls in the Central region; dates differ per region.

These dates are binding in Leiden; parents may not oblige children to attend school during holidays. For current details, consult the Government website or local schools.

Legal basis of the division in Leiden

The division of school holidays parents Leiden falls under family law in Book 1 of the Civil Code (BW). Parents with joint parental authority (art. 1:251 BW) are obliged to divide the care and upbringing of their child. Specifically for holidays, art. 1:257 BW applies: parents must not reject reasonable proposals from the other without compelling reasons. In Leiden, such cases are handled by the District Court of The Hague, Leiden Location (Burgemeester van Karnebeeklaan 7).

• Parenting plan (art. 1:247 BW): Upon divorce, parents must draw up a plan with care division, including holiday arrangements.
• Settlement agreement: Written agreements, possibly via the Legal Aid Office Leiden (Stationsweg 46).
• Judicial decision: In case of disagreement, the judge decides based on the child's best interests (art. 1:257 para. 2 BW). This is an in-depth of our page on the holiday arrangement for children.

No fixed formula; the division must be equitable, taking into account residential distance, work and child's rhythm in the Leiden region.

How to practically divide school holidays in Leiden?

In practice, parents make agreements in the parenting plan or a holiday arrangement annex. Popular models for Leiden:

1. Alternating per year: Odd years parent A summer holiday and Christmas, parent B autumn and spring. Even years reversed.
2. Halving holidays: Split summer holiday (first half one parent, second the other). Short holidays alternating.
3. Percentage division: E.g. 45% per parent, remainder flexible.

Practical example 1: Co-parenting in Leiden

Mother lives in Leiden centre, father in The Hague. Agreement: halve summer holiday (Central region), Christmas alternating with pick-up on First Christmas Day via train. This fits local travel times.

Practical example 2: Conflict situation in Leiden

Parents disagree on May holiday. Father books beach trip, mother refuses. Judge rules (fictitious ECLI:NL:RBDHA:2023:5678): refusal unreasonable, unless child's interests prevail. Mother must cooperate. Case at District Court of The Hague, Leiden Location.

Rights and obligations of parents in Leiden

Rights:

• Make a proposal and demand reasonable time (art. 1:257 BW).
• Refuse if child's interests are harmed (e.g. sick leave).
• Approach District Court of The Hague, Leiden Location in case of disagreement.

• Consult in child's best interests (art. 1:251 BW).
• Comply with agreements.
• Inform child about planning.

Breach may lead to modification of care arrangement or sanctions. Help via Legal Aid Office Leiden.

Frequently asked questions