Every parent wants time with their child during the holidays to celebrate with family traditions and share memories. There are many ways to split custody with a co-parent so that each parent has a chance to build those holiday memories.
Every Other Year: If you spent Christmas vacation with your kids last year, then it would be your co-parent’s turn to have the kids for Christmas this year. You can focus on the kids during the years that you have them, and then maybe take a trip to an exotic place or travel to a distant relative’s city for the year you are without kids.
Split the Holidays in Half: Many schools give a full 2-3 weeks off school for the holidays. This year maybe even more flexible with virtual school and parents working from home. One parent can have the kids for the week leading up to Hannukah or Christmas, including Christmas morning. They can then pass the kids off to the next parent on Christmas Day and allow the children to stay with that parent through New Years'. This arrangement is ideal for families who have parents who live relatively close to each other.
Fixed Holiday Schedule: Your family may decide that the kids get Thanksgiving with mom and New Years’ with dad every year. It could be something specific to your family, that mom has the greatest holiday dance parties and takes the kids to see Santa each year. And dad has the New Years’ tradition of singing karaoke and jumping in the swimming pool for a polar swim each year. If this is ideal for your family, and both parents agree, then forget about what everyone else is doing. Be sure to do what is best for you.
The most important part of arranging a custody plan for the holidays is keeping things consistent for the kids. Agree on a schedule and stick to it. Your kids will be happy based on the love and memories you share, not based on the specific day they happen to be with one parent or the other.
Let us deal with the stress of the holidays for you. Call our team at Miles & Hatcher, LLP, to schedule an appointment to discuss your holiday custody arrangements. If you need to make a last-minute change, we can mediate for you and help reach an agreement. When you call to schedule an appointment, you will receive a free consultation: (909) 481-4080.
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