Division of Children's School Holidays in Tilburg
The division of children's school holidays in Tilburg regulates how separated or living-apart parents divide school holidays with their children. This promotes harmony and stability for the child. Parents with joint parental authority must decide on this jointly, preferably recorded in a parenting plan.
What is the division of school holidays?
In the Netherlands, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) sets the school holidays, which differ regionally (North, Central, South). Tilburg falls under the South region. Holidays include autumn, Christmas, May, and summer holidays. In the division of children's school holidays in Tilburg, parents make arrangements, such as alternating or equally divided. This is essential in co-parenting to ensure continuity, peace, and bond with both parents.
In case of disputes, a mediator or the District Court of Zeeland-West-Brabant (Wilhelminapark 100, Breda) can decide, with priority for the child's welfare.
Legal basis
The division of children's school holidays falls under family law in Book 1 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW):
- Art. 1:251 DCC: Joint authority requires consultation on holidays.
- Art. 1:257 DCC: Regulates place of residence and care division, including holidays.
- Art. 1:261 DCC: Court decides in case of disagreement on authority or holiday arrangements.
Common divisions of school holidays in the South region
Parents prefer fixed patterns. Table with options for Tilburg (South region):
| 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 Day |
| May holiday | 1 week | With alternating parent | Equally divided |
| Summer holiday | 6 weeks | 2 weeks A, 2 B, 2 free | Odd year A starts, even B |
Adjusted to care division such as 50/50 or 70/30.
Practical examples in Tilburg
Example 1: Father weekdays, mother weekends (art. 1:257 DCC). Summer: father first 3 weeks, mother last 3, fitting school times.
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; father litigates at District Court of Zeeland-West-Brabant (art. 1:261 DCC), trip rejected due to violation of division of children's school holidays in Tilburg.
Rights and obligations of parents
- Duty to provide information: Sharing holiday schedules and school calendars.
- Duty to consult: Communicate planning 4-6 weeks in advance.
- Leave rights: No unilateral taking without agreement (art. 1:251 DCC).
- Child's best interests: Child does not choose; court decides.
- Right to adjustment: Review upon changes via mediator or Juridisch Loket Tilburg (Spoorlaan 364).
Frequently asked questions
May I unilaterally book a trip?
No, consultation is mandatory under joint authority (art. 1:251 DCC). Otherwise, risk of court intervention.
What if the other parent refuses?
Mediator or request binding decision from District Court of Zeeland-West-Brabant (art. 1:261 DCC). Document everything.
Does this apply to cohabiting parents?
Yes under joint authority; sole caregiver has more flexibility.