Good Fences And Not So Good Neighbors: Property Law 101

Custody Questions During The Holidays

23 November 2022 by Hunter Moore

The holiday season is coming, and that can be a difficult time for divorced families. Child custody planning for holidays with the children is one of the most important parts of negotiating your custody arrangements. The holiday custody arrangements need to be specific so there are no surprises or complications. Here are some things to think about as you are negotiating custody arrangements during the holidays:

What Does Your Child Want?

Although you do not have to have your children's input on what they want to do during the holidays, it never hurts to get their opinion on what they would prefer to do. However, you do not want to put your kids in the position of making them feel like they have to choose which parent's house they want to be at during the holidays. Figure out a way to approach the conversation in a way that gives them a voice in the situation. You can opt to take some of their wants into consideration, but make sure you are doing the best thing for everyone involved.

When Should You Plan for the Holidays?

You do not want to go into the holidays without the plans already set and ready to go. Last-minute plans can upset the entire holiday season. Holiday custody arrangements should already be in place as soon as your divorce is finalized. There is always a chance that an emergency change in plans needs to take place and changes need to happen. Otherwise, you should know about your plans a year ahead of time.

What if Changes Need to Be Made?

If there is an emergency and you need to change your holiday custody arrangement, you need to get things planned out as soon as possible. The first thing you need to do is contact your former spouse to ask if it is possible to make changes to your holiday custody arrangements. Do not be disappointed if they are unwilling to make the changes. If your former spouse is unable to accommodate your needs, you have to accept this and try to figure out a way to deal with your situation. If your former spouse is willing to make changes to the current custody arrangements, be sure to thank them and offer to alter other custody arrangements if they need it in the future.

Custody during the holidays can be an emotional time. The key is to make the best of the time you have with your children during this time and try to get along with your former spouse as well as you can to ensure the kids are happy. 

For more info, contact a local child custody lawyer. 

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