ABM spotlights summer travel and relocation rules for co-parents

Anderson Boback & Marshall is using its 22nd year in practice to flag a seasonal issue for Chicago-area families: parenting agreements can control summer travel, out-of-state trips, and relocation rights between co-parents. The firm says parents should review notice deadlines and consent requirements now, before school schedules and travel plans trigger disputes.

Why it matters: - Summer travel can quickly turn into a custody fight when parenting agreements require notice, consent, itineraries, or emergency contact details before a child leaves the state. - Families in the Chicago area face added pressure because trips to Wisconsin and Indiana are common and often spontaneous. - International travel can require written consent, especially when a destination has not signed the Hague Convention, which governs international child abduction.

What happened: - Anderson Boback & Marshall, a Chicago-based boutique family law firm, marked its 22nd year serving local families on July 31, 2026. - The firm highlighted summer travel and relocation rights as a frequent source of conflict between co-parents. - Jessica Marshall, managing partner at ABM, said many disputes begin with communication breakdowns rather than the trip itself.

The details: - Parenting agreements can require advance notice before a parent crosses state lines with a child. - Many agreements also require a travel itinerary and emergency contact information. - Families who have not reviewed their agreements since signing often discover those requirements only when a trip is already being planned. - Marshall said early communication and a clear understanding of the court order can prevent many disputes from reaching court. - Marshall said even a simple weekend trip can become a legal dispute when parents do not communicate early. - ABM said late July is already too late for courts to move quickly on last-minute travel disputes. - The firm recommends parents review the first week of school schedule, confirm travel notice deadlines, and contact their attorney early if they disagree.

Between the lines: - ABM is framing travel disputes as a planning problem as much as a legal one. - The firm's message is that proactive communication can reduce emergency litigation and help families avoid last-minute court intervention. - The focus on summer travel also fits ABM's broader communication-first approach to family law.

What's next: - ABM says families should revisit parenting schedules before the fall transition. - Jessica Marshall is available for interviews on summer parenting disputes, relocation and travel consent requirements, and the firm’s 22-year evolution. - The firm is positioning proactive review of parenting agreements as the best way to avoid conflict during the rest of the travel season.

The bottom line: - For co-parents, a summer trip can become a legal issue if the parenting agreement is not reviewed first.