Image Licensing Protections: An Introduction

Holidays After A New Divorce: Arranging Custody

17 August 2016

Judy Alexander

With the thought of the holiday season quickly approaching, there is one significant thing you need to think about as a newly divorced couple: child custody during the holidays. What was normally a fun time of year for children many not be as happy for them after a divorce. If you did not make arrangements for the holidays in your custody agreement, now is the time to think about it. The following are some things that you can both do to help ensure the children have as much interaction with you as possible during this time of year.

Ask the Children What They Would Like To Do

You should definitely take your children's feelings and wants into consideration when dealing with holiday custody arrangements. Any stress or frustration on where they are going will only add fire to an already tumultuous time in their lives. Keep in mind that while you are asking for the children's input, let them know that their exact wants may not be carried out. Instead, let them know that you are both working together with their considerations in mind when making final decisions about custody during the holidays. Make sure they know that they will be spending time with both of you as equally as possible.

Avoid Court if Possible

If you are both in a place where you can calmly and amicably discuss this situation, try to avoid going to court over it. Not only will going to court put a major damper on the holiday season, but it can also be a very difficult time to get in front of a judge. This is a busy time for the courts. Not only are they trying to keep up with a never-ending schedule of family court issues, but there will be days when the courts will be closed, staff will be on vacation, and so on. If possible, try to work out your arrangements on your own.

Keep the Schedule Year After Year

In order to make the holidays consistent and easy to deal with, keep your holiday arrangement schedule the same each year. Factor in the possibility of some necessary changes, such as issues with your job schedule or unexpected circumstances that may arise. This way, your children will know what to expect each year and there will be less frustration each year.

The holidays and divorce are never a great mix, especially when the divorce is new. Try to work together as parents when making a schedule that is as fair and equal as possible. For more information, contact local professionals like Berki Law Group, LLC.

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