Division of School Holidays Between Parents in Tilburg

Division of School Holidays Between Parents in Tilburg

The division of school holidays between parents in Tilburg describes how divorced or cohabiting parents with joint parental authority divide their children's school holidays fairly. This minimises disputes and ensures equal quality time. In Tilburg, located in the South region, national holiday dates apply to primary and secondary schools, but practical agreements are crucial for local parents.

What are school holidays in the South region (Tilburg)?

School holidays are fixed free periods for primary education and secondary education, established by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. They usually run from Friday to Sunday/Monday morning. The five blocks are: autumn, Christmas, spring, May and summer holidays. Dates vary by region; Tilburg falls under the South region.

These periods are mandatory; parents may not demand school attendance. Check current dates on the Government website.

Legal basis for division in Tilburg

The arrangement falls under family law in Book 1 of the Dutch Civil Code. Parents with joint parental authority (art. 1:251 DCC) divide care and upbringing. Art. 1:257 DCC requires not to block reasonable proposals without good reason. In Tilburg, disputes are handled by the District Court of Zeeland-West-Brabant, Wilhelminapark 100.

• Parenting plan (art. 1:247 DCC): Mandatory upon divorce, including holiday rules.
• Settlement agreement: Informal written agreements.
• Judicial decision: In case of conflict, the child's best interests take priority (art. 1:257(2) DCC). See also our holiday arrangement page.

No fixed formula; take into account distance, work and child's routine. Local help via Legal Aid Office Tilburg, Spoorlaan 364.

Practical division of school holidays

Parents in Tilburg often set rules in the parenting plan or a holiday appendix. Commonly used options:

1. Alternating per year: Odd years parent A summer holiday and Christmas, parent B autumn/spring; even years vice versa.
2. Splitting holidays: Halve the summer (first half parent A, rest B). Short holidays rotate.
3. Proportional: 45% father, 45% mother, rest flexible.

Example 1: Co-parenting Tilburg-Eindhoven

Mother in Tilburg (South), father in Eindhoven (South). Agreement: halve summer with regional dates, Christmas alternating with pick-up on First Christmas Day. Ideal for short distance.

Example 2: Dispute in South region

Conflicts over May holiday: father plans trip, mother blocks. Judge (fictitious ECLI:NL:RBZWB:2023:5678) rules refusal unjustified, unless child's best interests prevail (e.g. exam). To District Court of Zeeland-West-Brabant, Wilhelminapark 100.

Rights and obligations of parents

Rights:

• Demand reasonable holiday benefit (art. 1:257 DCC).
• Refuse if child's best interests are harmed (sickness leave).
• Approach the court in case of refusal.

• Consult child-centred (art. 1:251 DCC).
• Honour agreements.
• Inform the child.

Violation risks modification of care or sanction.

Frequently asked questions