While family law determines custody arrangements between both parents once the divorce is finalized, each parent is ultimately responsible for scheduling visitations with their children during the divorce process. The holidays are often a time when both parents want quality time with their children, so deciding on mutually-agreeable schedules requires preparation and planning. Below are a few points to consider to help you reach solutions that best support your kids while honoring the new, evolving structure of your family.

How Should You Divide the Holidays During a Divorce?

Decide Which Holidays Are Most Important to You

Before meeting with your soon-to-be ex, sit down together and identify the holidays that are most important to each of you. Don't choose major ones just yet—instead, select the days that hold special meaning such as the first day of school. Then, identify the bigger holidays. Circle all the dates on a calendar and determine which ones you’re willing to compromise. Having an idea of the holidays you want and the ones you’re willing to give up can make negotiations much easier. You can later supply your family law attorney with the dates you both agreed upon to help maintain a healthy visitation schedule. 

Remain Open to Compromise

The process of determining holiday schedules requires compromise. Don't start negotiations with an all-or-nothing mindset, as it will only lead to disagreements. While a family law attorney focuses on finalizing your divorce process, you can make the situation easier on you and your family by remaining amicable. Although neither you nor your ex-spouse are going to get the kids on every major holiday, be open to exchanging dates that are less important to you for ones that are more important. 

Explore More Long-Term Arrangements

While you’re both drawing up holiday schedules, take the opportunity to talk about permanent custody and visitation arrangements. If it feels comfortable, talk about how you want to structure holidays moving forward. You could alternate holidays, with one spouse getting the kids on even-numbered years, the other on odd-numbered years. You could split the holidays in half, with the kids spending a part of the day with each spouse. Or, you could arrange fixed holidays, where the kids always spend certain holidays with one parent. Your family law attorney can advise you on the best option for you. 

As the holidays approach, the family law and divorce attorneys at Arndt Buswell & Thorn S.C., in Monroe County, WI, can guide you through every step of the scheduling process. Since 1991, they have been representing Central and Western Wisconsin in a variety of legal issues, including family law matters, estate planning, and personal injuries. Call (608) 269-1200 or visit their website to set up a consultation today.