Preparing for the Holidays During Divorce or Separation

The holidays are a stressful time for everyone – but especially those battling custody issues or in the process of a divorce or separation. However, you can take action now to reduce stress this coming holiday season.

If you and your spouse have an interim agreement, whether formal or not, it is important that you follow it. Stability is important for children and your compliance demonstrates a willingness to co-parent to the Court.

However, if you don’t have an interim agreement in place, now is the time to create one. In proposing a holiday schedule to your spouse, here are some important factors to consider:

• Work schedules

• School schedules

• Role of religion

• Any family traditions or events

• Children’s relationship with extended family

• Travel and logistics

• Current custody arrangement 

You and the other parent should work together to come up with the best holiday schedule for your family. Some popular holiday schedules include:

• Fixed holidays (i.e. one parent always gets Thanksgiving)

• Alternating holidays (i.e. one parent gets Thanksgiving this year and one parent gets Thanksgiving next year)

• Dividing school breaks (i.e. one parent gets the first half of winter break, one parent gets the second half)

• Dividing the day (i.e. one parent gets Thanksgiving for the first half of the day, one parent gets the second half)

• Or any combination of the above (alternating which parent gets the first half of winter break and which parent gets the second half)·     

Mediation is a great avenue to help you and your spouse communicate effectively and create a holiday plan that works for your family. Please contact the Markham Law Firm team at 240-396-4373 to schedule time with one of our trained mediators today.