Establishing holiday visitation schedules can be difficult because divorced parents want to spend as much individual time with their children as possible. However, there needs to be give-and-take for it to work. Connecticut family law focuses on meeting the needs of each parent. Here are a few tips for planning your visitation schedule. 

How to Coordinate Holiday Visitation Schedules

In Connecticut, there aren't any laws specific to holiday visitations. However, family law in the state supports making decisions that are in the best interest of the child. With that in mind, it is up to you and your ex-partner to decide how time will be divided—but, it must be equal.

What Are Some Balanced Strategies for Creating a Schedule?

Alternating Days

In this approach, parents alternate having their children for the holidays. Also known as a rotating holiday custody schedule, it runs opposite each year so that parents spend every holiday with their children once every other year. This is the most popular method as it's simple and fair.

Holiday Split

Another popular option for holiday visitation schedules is to split the holiday days in half. For example, the child might spend Christmas Eve and morning at your house while spending the rest of the day with the other parent. This method works well for parents who live nearby and it can help children feel loved by both parents.

Fixed Dates

Parents can choose fixed days to be regularly spent with one parent. For example, one parent may host all birthdays, while the other may be more religious, so they’ll take Christmas. This arrangement isn't typical in family law, but it could work for families with different personal needs.

What Can I Do to Make the Decision-Making Process Easier?

For the sake of your child, it's important to stay flexible and willing to compromise; be willing to modify the regular visitation schedule from time-to-time. While you may not be on good terms with your ex-spouse, you should still be considerate of their needs. When speaking with them, stay focused on the relevant issues to avoid fights.

The holidays are an important time for families to get together. If you have questions for a family law attorney about holiday visitation schedules, contact The Law Offices of Conti, Levy and Salerno, LLC., located in Litchfield County, CT. Their firm has 75 years of combined experience helping parents to resolve issues and look out for their children’s needs. For more information, call their office at (860) 482-4451, or visit their website to schedule a free consultation.