Parenting Time and Child Custody During the Holidays

We have some tips after years of handling divorces and helping clients navigate parenting time and child custody during the holidays. While we understand that not having your children for every holiday is unsettling and sad, and sharing time with your ex may be frustrating, focus on doing what is best for your kiddo.

Here are a few ways our family law clients navigate parenting time during the holidays.

1. Alternate the holidays every other year. Assign one parent holidays in even years, and swap holidays in odd years. This way, you won’t miss a holiday more than one year in a row.
2. Split the holiday. If you and your co-parent are geographically close, have the children wake up with one parent and spend the first half of the day there. Then, midday, exchange, so the other parent spends the second half of the day with the children.
3. Celebrate twice. Schedule a time for each parent to celebrate a holiday with your child.
4. Assign fixed holidays. Each parent can celebrate the same holidays with the child every year. This is effective when parents believe different holidays are important and celebrate with the child each year. These can include Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and parent’s birthdays.

We recommend dividing the holidays as evenly as possible. No matter what you decide, addressing parenting time schedules thoroughly in advance helps avoid additional tension and stress.

Even with an established holiday and vacation schedule, sometimes things change. For instance, if one parent has relatives in town, it is understandable that they may want to keep the children for a few extra days. Alternatively, one parent may wish to take the children on a holiday vacation. Changes like this can be frustrating and challenging, but it is essential to do what’s best for your child.

Your holiday and vacation custody and parenting time schedule should show where your children will spend holidays and vacations. Further, the parenting time schedule should include details about how and when the parents can take the children on vacation.

Remember, there is no perfect schedule, and what works for other divorced families may not work for you. Also, working on a schedule with your co-parent shouldn’t be frustrating or lead to an argument. Work with an attorney to get a schedule nailed down in advance of the holiday season if you need assistance.

If you are dealing with a custody issue, the attorneys at Gray Law Group have years of experience navigating the stressful nature of divorce/separation and children. We offer a free consultation to discuss your situation and the options you have. Contact us today to schedule a strategy session.