If you are divorced, spending time with your children during the holidays takes extra planning. Whether you and your ex-spouse have equal joint child custody rights or there is only one primary physical custodian, there are ways to schedule time for both of you to enjoy the season with your children. The following tips can help you work things out.

3 Ways to Share Child Custody During the Holiday Season

1. Alternate Holidays Yearly

One option that often works well is for parents to have their children visit during holidays in alternate years. During even-numbered years, you might have the kids on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve, and the other parent has them on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day. For odd-numbered years, the schedule switches.

2. Cooperate With Each Other

Keep in mind what matters most. Within reason, work with your ex in a spirit of sincere cooperation that will focus on the best interests of your children. If you want to take them out of state to visit grandparents or for a unique holiday trip, give as much notice in advance to avoid family conflicts. When your ex wants to make special plans for the children, accommodate them whenever you can.   

3. Involve a Third Party

If you and your ex have trouble communicating about scheduling, seek help from an attorney or mediator. Experienced professionals can see problems and offer practical solutions that you may not anticipate. Their efforts can lead to successful child custody and visitation plans with the flexibility to meet your children’s changing needs and wants.

If you need guidance regarding child custody and your visitation plan, seek advice from J.P. Coleman Law, LLC, Attorneys at Law. Serving the Metairie, LA, community since 2012, these family law attorneys offer clients personal attention and wise counsel. To learn more about their practice now, visit their website. Call (251) 947-6247 to schedule a confidential consultation.