As we head into fall, it is no secret that the holidays are right around the corner. For families going through a divorce or who may have already completed their divorce, the holidays can be a time fraught with tension and confusion. However, the good news is that with proper planning, arrangements can be made that allow both parents and the children to have an enjoyable holiday season. Communication is the key to having a successful holiday season. If you do not already have a holiday parenting time order in place, you should begin making arrangements with your spouse or former spouse now so that you have time to work out any conflicts. An attorney can be of great assistance in this process and can work towards reducing any agreements to writing and ideally in a consent order which is then signed by the judge and memorializes the holiday schedule. If your divorce has already been concluded, you should have a holiday parenting time schedule detailed in your Marital Settlement Agreement. Review your agreement now so that you can remind yourself as to the specific dates, times, and transportation requirements that may pertain to the upcoming holidays.
Each family has its own unique holiday traditions, and it is important to identify what those may be and work towards implementing an arrangement that meets the expectations of both parents and which allows for traditions to continue as best possible. No matter what the arrangements may be, it is important to remember that the holidays are primarily a time to be focused on your children and arrangements should be made and flexibility should be exercised to allow them to enjoy time with their parents as well as their extended families.
