16 Dec Holiday Schedules for Children in Shared Custody
It is hard to believe that the holiday season is upon us. 2021 certainly flew by. The holidays are such a special time for families because they spend time together and create new traditions. Yet, this time can be especially challenging for families of divorce. This article will discuss holiday schedules for children in shared custody so that parents know what to do when special events come around.
Why Create a Holiday Schedule?
Parents getting divorced may not want to create a holiday schedule because there are more important things to discuss. Yet, figuring out the holidays is equally as vital as other matters on the docket. Creating a holiday schedule eliminates arguments in the future about where the children are supposed to go and when. In addition, having a plan creates a sense of stability for the children. You owe it to them to tell them where they are spending each holiday.
What Holidays Will You Celebrate?
Another important aspect to discuss regarding holiday schedules is what holidays you will celebrate. If your family is religious, talk about how you will split up those holidays over the years. It is also crucial to talk about non-religious holidays, like birthdays and Halloween. You should lay out all the holidays you celebrate while creating your parenting plan. That way, there is no ambiguity in the future.
How Will You Divide Things?
The final aspect of holiday schedules for children in shared custody is how the parents will arrange things. There are many ways to do this. For example, you can alternate holidays every year to make things as simple as possible. Another solution is to designate which holidays are most important to each parent. Perhaps Dad really enjoys Easter and plans a special hunt every year. It would make sense that he has custody for that holiday.
This time of year can be tricky for parents who are no longer together. It is vital to remember that compromise should be at the forefront of all discussions regarding this matter. If one person is not cooperating with the other, give us a call. LaCoste Family Law has skilled child custody attorneys in Washington State on deck. We want to help parents reach a fair agreement with as little hostility as possible.