Child custody and visitation matters are always delicate issues to navigate, but they only become more complex around the holidays. Often, both parents want to have the children on certain days for specific celebrations or planned activities. With a little forethought and planning, however, you and your ex can work out a holiday visitation schedule without the need for a child custody lawyer or the intervention of the family courts.

Discuss Your Options

The first step in determining holiday schedules is to discuss all available options with your ex. The two of you can customize any setup that is mutually agreeable. Some of the more common visitation arrangements for holidays include:

• Dividing the Day in Half: Each parent gets the children for an equal share of the holiday.
• Alternating Every Other Year: One parent gets the children on holidays during odd-numbered years, and the other parent gets them on even-numbered years.
• Designating Fixed Holidays: Every year, each parent gets the children on specific holidays, and this schedule never changes, so everyone knows where they will be spending each holiday.

Be Willing to Compromise

Once both you and your ex understand the different arrangements that can be set up, it's time to start negotiating. Keep an open mind and be willing to compromise. Give and take are essential elements of successful co-parenting, and they are just as essential when creating child custody and visitation schedules. This isn't an opportunity to get back at your ex or keep the kids from them; this is about making the holidays memorable for your children.

Also, if your kids are older, they likely have their own preferences as to where they spend the holidays. Pull them into the conversation and get their input. If they clearly want to be with a specific parent on a specific holiday, factor that into the decisions you make.

By keeping the above points in mind, you can set up holiday arrangements that meet the needs of all family members. If communications between you and your ex break down, don't hesitate to contact a child custody or family law attorney. The lawyers at Coyne, Cundiff & Hillemann, P.C. have more than 75 years of collective experience representing St. Charles County, MO, in family, personal injury, and criminal defense cases. Call (636) 561-5599 or visit them online to schedule a free consultation.