Co-parenting at Easter – Emily Brand in Tatler

For HNWs who co-parent, Easter isn’t just about egg hunts and the perfect tablescape, it’s a minefield of legal intricacies, emotional stand-offs and transatlantic tugs-of-war over who gets the children when the Easter bunny arrives.

Partner and Head of Family, Emily Brand provides expert commentary in Tatler on how the Easter break becomes an exercise in diplomacy - and litigation:

What unique challenges do the super-rich face when it comes to co-parenting during holiday seasons like Easter? 

For ultra-high-net-worth families, holiday logistics aren’t just about who brings the hot cross buns, it may be that the Easter break involves Aspen one year and the Maldives the next so it's not just a squabble over who gets the children on Easter Sunday. Holiday seasons can often bring up strong feelings for separated parents and the grandparents are also naturally desperate to see their grandchildren, wanting to be there when the Easter bunny hops in.

What are the key legal considerations for parents when planning to travel abroad with children during Easter, and what should they be aware of regarding consent and permissions? 

That spur-of-the-moment trip is not so spontaneous when you're co-parenting. When looking at overseas travel, you’ll need consent from the other parent before jetting off—even if it’s just for the bank holiday weekend – unless you have a "Lives With" order from the Court, a formal Parenting Agreement, or a Court order expressly permitting you to travel abroad with the children for that specific period. Without either a Court order or formal consent in writing, you could face legal consequences or even allegations of child abduction (which is a criminal offence). A simple, signed travel letter confirming the other parent's consent can avoid unwanted conflict.  Beware too: some exotic locations will not let you enter the jurisdiction without that written consent so it is imperative to check before you travel to the airport to avoid disasters and very disappointed children.

What role does effective communication play in reducing the likelihood of co-parenting disputes during the Easter holiday season, and how can legal experts facilitate this? 

Communication is the unsung hero of a smooth Easter holiday—especially when co-parenting is involved. It's not just about agreeing on travel plans, but also aligning on everything from screen time to how much sugar is too much. Having clear, early conversations—and ideally a parenting agreement—can save heartache and will provide calm in the Easter storm, making sure everyone gets their fair share of Easter eggs!

Read the full article in Tatler here.