Franklin Divorce Lawyers: Coordinating Child Custody over the Holidays

The holidays are a joyous and exciting time. Memories are made and family traditions are enjoyed. Yet, for families that are dealing with divorce, child custody issues can be compounded at the holidays. Determining where the children will spend the holidays can trigger frustration and anger that co-parenting exes had hoped to leave in the past. With a bit of cooperation and organization, scheduling parenting time during the holidays can be surprisingly stress-free.

Planning ahead as much as possible benefits everyone involved. Children feel a sense of satisfaction in knowing what to expect. Establishing a holiday parenting agreement well in advance helps kids feel secure and reduces their anxiety.

Using Technology Makes Co-Parenting Easier

Putting the holiday schedule in writing can help prevent last minute changes or disagreements that are stressful for the children. Online parenting organizational websites and apps like “Our Family Wizard” and “CustodyXChange” are a great way to give both parents access to a shared calendar. Online tools are an easy way for parents to work together without speaking directly.

When looking ahead at a new year, each parent needs to think about which holidays have the most personal meaning to them and their extended families. One parent may enjoy Halloween while the other looks forward to their town’s Fourth of July parade. Dividing up the holidays is going to require some compromise from both sides.

Learn to Compromise

For holidays that are especially important to both, parents can consider alternating homes from year to year or splitting the day in half if geographically possible. Another fun way to encourage kids to make memories with both parents is to celebrate some favorite holidays twice.

When parents are unable to come to a mutual agreement regarding parenting time during the holidays, child custody lawyers turn to a Court Approved Holidays Parenting Schedule. This schedule includes all major holidays and is negotiated between both parties. Once agreed upon, it is legally binding. If parents still are not able to agree on where the children will spend the holidays, a Family Court Judge will decide.

Franklin Divorce Lawyers at the Law Offices of Kisha M. Hebbon, LLC Advocate for Divorced Parents

Co-parenting can be done peacefully and successfully with the guidance of experienced and compassionate Franklin child custody lawyers at the Law Offices of Kisha H. Hebbon, LLC. We help our clients achieve parenting agreements that protect the best interests of the children while preserving precious parenting time. Call our Somerset, New Jersey offices today at 732-873-6464 or complete our online form to learn how we can help you.

Kisha M. Hebbon and her associates represent clients throughout New Jersey including Somerset County, Middlesex County, Union County and including but not limited to the towns of Somerset, Franklin, Bridgewater, New Brunswick, East Brunswick, Plainfield, Edison, Metuchen, Woodbridge, Piscataway, Old Bridge, Rahway, Linden, Elizabeth, Cranford, Summit, Union, Clark, Elizabeth, Berkeley Heights, and Scotch Plains.