Making child custody arrangements is stressful and challenging during or after a divorce. The holiday season may put a new co-parenting partnership to the test. To avoid disagreements and confrontations, you need to work together to create a plan that satisfies both parents. Follow these three tips to achieve precisely that.

3 Tips for Handling Child Custody Over the Holidays

1. Split Time Equally

One of the best ways to avoid visitation disagreements is making sure each parent has equal time. For some families, splitting up the days works best. Others may choose to spend time with children on alternate years. For example, holiday visitation may be split between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, or you can focus on the season as a whole by allowing one parent to have the week of Thanksgiving and the other to have Christmas. The schedule would flip the next year to ensure holiday time is split equally. 

2. Compromise Is Key

Don’t enter into talks with your ex-partner expecting to get your ideal holiday arrangement. Both parties have goals in mind, yet the main priority is the happiness of the child. As such, approach the situation with an open mindset and be willing to compromise to achieve agreement. However, if you're the only party willing to change their desired terms, consider working with a family law professional to mediate the process. 

3. Plan Ahead

In most child custody cases, creating a plan in advance for the first holiday after your separation is best. Planning helps you avoid the stress of negotiating new arrangements every year. Once an agreement is reached, get terms in writing and stick to the plan to prevent friction and frustration.

Need guidance traversing child custody after divorce? Contact the professionals at Edmiston Law Office in Jackson County, AL. Their divorce attorneys have over 20 years of industry experience, handling a range of family law cases, including visitation issues. Learn more about their focus legal areas online, and request a consultation today at (256) 259-0834.