Legal Question in Family Law in Connecticut

Re: Who gets custody when the other parent goes on vacation?

This is a common problem and one that does not have a simple answer.

Generally, each parent should be able to lead their own lives on their custodial days, even if that includes getting a "babysitter" if he/she makes plans to do something special. This should especially be the rule when you have shared physical custody, since you don't just have your son a couple of days every other week. You do need to have a life.

However, many times the other custodial parent is not agreeable, as in your case. (although, I would love to see what she thinks when it's her time with your son and she wants to do something that does not include him)Some parents write into their decrees/agreements a "right of first refusal." Others don't have anything written on the issue.

My best suggestion is to mediate the issue and resolve it once and for all. I don't know how long you plan to be out of the country, but it would be nice for the paternal grandparents to spend time with their grandson. I don't think your position is unreasonable.

The only other alternative is to file a motion and go to court to resolve it.