Division of School Holidays Between Parents in The Hague
The division of school holidays parents The Hague regulates how separated or cohabiting parents with joint parental authority divide the fixed school holidays of their children. This minimises conflicts and ensures a balanced distribution of quality time. School holidays are regulated nationally and apply to primary schools and secondary schools in three regions, with The Hague belonging to the South region.
What are school holidays in the South region (The Hague)?
School holidays are the official free periods for primary school pupils and secondary education. They are set by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and usually run from Friday to Sunday (or Monday morning). The five blocks are: autumn, Christmas, spring, May and summer holidays. Dates vary by region; The Hague (South) has specific periods.
| Region | Summer holiday 2024 (The Hague-relevant) | Autumn holiday 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| South (The Hague) | 20 July to 8 Sept | 14 to 22 Oct |
| Central | 13 July to 1 Sept | 14 to 22 Oct |
| North | 6 July to 25 Aug | 14 to 22 Oct |
These dates are mandatory; parents cannot send children to school during holidays. Check current information on the Government website. In The Hague, the District Court of The Hague, Prins Clauslaan 60 handles disputes about this.
Legal basis for division in The Hague
The division of school holidays parents 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 obliges parents not to refuse reasonable proposals without good reason.
- Parenting plan (art. 1:247 DCC): Mandatory upon divorce, including holiday rules.
- Settlement agreement: Arrangements without court involvement.
- Court decision: In case of dispute, the court decides based on the child's best interests (art. 1:257(2) DCC). In The Hague: District Court of The Hague. See also our holiday arrangements for children.
No fixed formula; consideration given to distance, work and child's routine. Local assistance via Legal Aid Office The Hague, Lutherse Burgwal 10.
Practical division of school holidays
Parents set rules in the parenting plan or holiday annex. Common options:
- Alternating per year: In odd years parent A gets summer holiday and Christmas, parent B gets autumn/spring; even years vice versa.
- Halving: Split summer holiday (first half one parent, remainder the other). Short holidays rotate.
- Percentage-based: E.g. 45% father, 45% mother, remainder flexible.
Example 1: Co-parenting The Hague - Rotterdam
Mother in The Hague (South), father in Rotterdam (South). Agreement: halve summer holiday based on regional dates, Christmas alternating with transport on Christmas Day. Prevents inequality.
Example 2: Dispute in The Hague
No agreement on May holiday. Father plans trip, mother blocks. Court (fictitious ECLI:NL:RBDHA:2023:5678) rules refusal unjustified, unless child's best interests prevail. Mother must consent.
Rights and obligations of parents in The Hague
Rights:
- Submit reasonable proposal (art. 1:257 DCC).
- Refuse if harm to child (e.g. illness).
- Proceed to District Court of The Hague.
- Consult child-centred (art. 1:251 DCC).
- Comply with agreements.
- Update child.
Violation: amendment of arrangement or sanction.
Frequently asked questions
Can I ignore holidays in The Hague?
No, mandatory free periods. Violation reported by school, possibly youth care. Adhere to dates.
Ex does not communicate?
Send email proposal (proof). No response? To District Court of The Hague (art. 1:257 DCC).
Applies to non-separated parents?
Yes, with joint authority. Consultation priority; otherwise court.