Christmas Considerations for Children of Divorce

 Posted on December 19, 2016 in Children and Divorce

When you are a divorced parent, figuring out how to divide holiday parenting time can be very difficult. It is especially challenging if you and the other parent are not able to communicate effectively. Any parent who has a healthy relationship with their child, however, will want to spend time together during important family holidays like Christmas. Doing so is possible with some advance planning and cooperation between you and your ex-spouse.

You and your former partner may already have an agreement in place regarding where your child will spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. A holiday parenting schedule is often included in a court-approved parenting plan. In many situations, parents—especially those who live relatively far from one another—will enjoy Christmas parenting time in alternating years. For example, your child may spend Christmas with you this year and, next year, he or she will spend Christmas with the other parent.

If you and the other parent live close enough, however, your child may be able to spend part of the holiday with each of you. Of course, this may be more complicated in terms of transportation and scheduling meals with extended family, but the time with your child on Christmas is worth the extra trouble.

Communicate and Offer Compromises

In the event that your parenting plan does not provide specifics regarding holiday parenting time, you and the other parent will need to develop an arrangement that works for both of you. This year may be particularly difficult since Christmas Day falls on a Sunday, possibly affecting the every-other-weekend schedule that many divorced parents utilize.

It is important to keep in mind that your child’s other parent probably wants to spend Christmas with your child as much as you do. This means that two of you may need to negotiate and compromise on a schedule. If, for example, Christmas falls on a day that would have been "yours," making an exception and allowing the other parent to have parenting time for part of the day is not unreasonable. Likewise, it is not too much to ask the same of the other parent so that you can share the holiday with your child as well.

Be Flexible

During the holidays, plans are often subject to change. Late-arriving family members and inclement weather can quickly lead to unexpected delays in picking up your child or dropping him or her off. Do your best to be understanding and to move forward rather than causing a scene and exposing your child to unnecessary hostility. In the spirit of Christmas, try to stay positive and allow your child to enjoy the holidays without stress and anxiety.

For assistance with creating a parenting plan or modifying an existing agreement, contact an experienced Kane County family law attorney. Call 630-584-4800 for a free consultation at Goostree Law Group today.

Source:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=075000050HPt%2E+VI&ActID=2086&ChapterID=0&SeqStart=8350000&SeqEnd=10200000