The holidays are rapidly approaching. There is so much to do this time of year, including shopping for gifts, decorating your home, and making plans to visit with family and friends. With all of the stress and activity of the season, it can be very tempting to put off some of the more unpleasant or difficult tasks that need to be addressed.
If you have recently gone through a divorce, now is the time to start planning your joint custody holiday schedule. Putting this task off will only cause stress and confusion at the time of year where everyone should be at peace. By planning early, you and your children can enjoy a peaceful and joyful holiday season.
The joint custody holiday schedule should be separate from your normal joint custody agreement. This is because holidays only occur so often, and rarely fall on the same day each year. Your agreement should be in writing and be as specific as possible in order to avoid last minute conflicts.
Holidays are an extremely important time for children, so now more than ever is a time for you and your co-parent to be civil with one another and focus your attentions on creating happy and peaceful memories for your children and extended family. Be realistic in your expectations and open to compromise.
When planning your holiday schedule there are a few steps that can make the process easier. First, parents should reflect carefully on which holidays are most important to them individually. Second, give consideration as to how and where holidays were celebrated in the years past. Children find comfort and security in traditions, so if it is at all possible to allow them to maintain some of the activities that they have been used to, it may be best to do so.
Be sure to talk with your children about changes they can expect in regards to holiday celebrations. Let them know beforehand where and when they will be celebrating. Children tend to handle change better when they know what to expect. Keeping open communication with your children throughout this process will reassure them that you are taking their needs into consideration.
Once your joint holiday schedule is set, the agreement is binding. Amendments can be made, but if both parents do not agree to the changes, a judge may be called upon to make the decision that is in the best interest of the children.
Baltimore County Divorce Lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC, Draft and Enforce Joint Custody Holiday Schedules
Baltimore County divorce lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC want you and your children to enjoy a peaceful and joyous holiday. We understand that this time of year can be stressful enough without the added fear and anxiety that comes with figuring out how you will celebrate the season now that you are divorced. Our caring and supportive Baltimore County child custody lawyers will take the time to help you work out a reasonable joint custody holiday schedule so that you can focus your time on making happy memories with your children. Call our office today at 443-589-0150 to schedule a free consultation or submit an online contact form.
The offices of our Maryland family lawyers are located in Hunt Valley, MD, allowing us to accommodate clients in Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, and Howard County as well as in Towson, Baltimore, Bel Air, Columbia, Westminster and Essex.
