Holiday contact

[NowWhat2023]

My ex and I have a court order in place that states 50/50 holiday contact, aside from this ex sees our child two weekends a month with no contact outside of this (not even video contact). Since the feb half term I have noticed that exp parents have been looking after our child during holiday contact.. I hadn’t approached the subject with exp but now I have found out that his parents have looked after our child the entirely of his summer contact with DC as he worked (every week day for the 3week period) and even went on a couple of dates with his current partner.

now I was looking to take this back to court for an unrelated issue (I had suggested mediation by the way, court is the last thing I want) - but wondered how court would view this? Or is it very much it is his time he can do as he pleases?
I had sought legal advice and was told if it is an often occurrence then it should be mentioned as contact is for DC to form a relationship with exp, especially as he sees them so little, but I do find conflicting advice from certain forums who say it’s his time and he can do as he wants as long as DC is safe.

He can have whoever he wants to provide childcare. As can you whilst you're at work.

Dh ex was similar saying dsc can't stay with inland or myself etc.
The judge said as long as the dc was safe and cared for she had no input Likewise dh had no input in who his ex had look after his dc.

Thanks for replying @NothingAGoodCuppaDoesntFix, just wanted to check. My issue is more he doesn’t spend any time with DC at all and has chosen to use his annual leave on holidays abroad with his current partner than to spend time with DC. There are other more pressing issues going on that are directly impacting DC but this was just one of those annoying niggles.

thanks again as I was looking for someone who has been through or seen similar brought up in court.

Are there any maintenance arrangements linked to the 50/50 care.p?

Whilst I was told my ex could make any arrangements he wanted/needed whilst DC’s were in his care, he could not ‘claim’ the overnight contact as part of the maintenance when the DC’s were with his parents overnight.

His maintenance increased as the number of nights the DC’s were with him had lessened.

How old are your DC and do they like staying with grandparents? I think I’d only raise it in court if they don’t like staying there and would rather be at home.

Assuming dad has PR, then he can use whomever he wants for childcare!