Joint child custody is never easy, but most children of divorce benefit from maintaining a close relationship with both of their parents.  That said, spending time away from your kids on a regular basis is hard, and managing a joint custody arrangement around the holidays can be especially challenging. Below, the the family law attorneys at J.P. Coleman Law, LLC in Robertsdale, AL, share a few tips for parents who have to “share” their little ones over the holidays.

How to Manage a Joint Child Custody Arrangement 

1. Be Flexible in Scheduling Visitations And Follow the Court Order When You and The Other Parent Can’t Agree 

Many people believe that children should be allowed to decide when and where to spend time with their parents.  In reality, Courts in Alabama expect parents to decide and to work together to make major decisions affecting their children.  This is good advice.  Let children be children while you and the other parent work out a schedule for visitation during the holidays together.  Can you and the other parent agree to a different schedule than what the Court has ordered? Generally speaking, yes.  Courts welcome parents working together.  What if the the parents can’t agree?  Courts then expect parents to follow the visitation schedule contained in the order.  What if one parent is violating a Court’s order about visitation?  Courts can then consider holding the violating parent in contempt.  But regardless of how you and the other parent are getting along, the key is making sure that your children are left out of any disagreements between parents so they can be kids and enjoy the holidays.

2. Give Your Family Time to Relax

When you only have your kids for a limited amount of time, it is natural to want to do as much as possible with them. This might include visiting relatives all over town, going to religious services, and decorating the tree. In an ideal world, you would be able to do everything, but packing too many outings into your time together will just leave everyone tired, cranky, and stressed out. Ask your relatives to come to your home this year, so you can see everyone at once, or make plans with them before and after the holidays, so you and your kids can simply enjoy each other’s company.

3. Be the Bigger Person

If this is your first holiday season as a divorced parent, spending time with your ex may be hard because many of the emotional wounds are probably still raw. There will be events you and your ex will both want to attend, though. Take a deep breath, be courteous, and avoid discussing your child custody arrangement at such events to avoid any drama.

If you are in the middle of a divorce, or your current child custody arrangement is not working, turn to the attorneys at J.P. Coleman Law, LLC, in Robertsdale, AL. This father-and-son team will guide you through every stage of the family law proceedings to achieve a favorable outcome to your case. You can learn more visiting their website. To schedule a free consultation, call (251) 947-6247 today.