Christmas is just around the corner, and you may already be busy planning for the holidays. But if you are a divorced parent, one of your challenges will be navigating child custody. Unless you already have previous custody agreements with your ex-spouse, it may be difficult to plan who gets to spend Christmas with your children.
If you don’t have custody agreements yet, now’s the time to start planning. Below are some tips that can help you.
Create a Schedule for Holiday Time With Each Parent
If you’re on good terms with your ex-spouse, come up with a holiday schedule that you both can agree with. Perhaps one of you will be with your children on Christmas Day and the other during New Year’s. Some parents would agree to have their children every other week, so if your week falls on Christmas week, then it’s your turn to spend Christmas with your children. This could also mean that next year, you won’t be sharing Christmas with your children. To avoid issues, try to also understand your ex-spouse, especially if they have special requests.
Stay Communicative and Flexible
As much as possible, stay open to communication and possibly changes with schedules. For example, if your ex-spouse plans to go on a vacation outside the country or state, and wants to take your children, you may want to consider it and spend Christmas with them next year.
Discuss What You Want and Be Ready to Compromise
Remember, this isn’t just about you. Your ex-spouse also wants to spend time with your children on the holidays. Find time to discuss with your ex how you plan to go about child custody during the holidays. Also, if your ex doesn’t mind that you spend more time with your kids on Christmas Day, offer to give them time at a later date. But remember that your ex may or may not agree with you, so try to stay calm. If you disagree with your ex, then calmly explain your side. Seek professional help if you can’t meet halfway.
Finding Legal Help
Communication and consideration can help you navigate child custody issues during the holidays, but we would still recommend that you seek legal help to avoid problems down the road. The Law Office of Sara Turner specializes in family law, and we have the experience and understanding to handle these cases with the care they deserve. We can show you what to expect, develop effective custody agreements for the holidays, and help you find the outcome you’re seeking. Contact us today for an appointment.
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