If you are a newly divorced parent, you may have questions about how holidays work in regards to your children. Luckily, we can help you gain a better understanding of these delicate custody matters that are crucial to your family. Here are some useful FAQs to help you along the way.
Holiday Parenting FAQs
What is the typical schedule for visitation on the holidays? The truth is, every situation is different depending on the circumstances. For instance, some families may choose to alternate each holiday, allotting one parent an “even year” and another an “odd year.” Other families choose to split each holiday, spend the holiday together, or give all holidays to one parent. It really depends on the specific situation and the parent’s schedules, as well as what works best for the children.
If immense changes in custody occur, what happens to our holiday schedule? If one parent no longer has holidays due to a drastic change in a new order, you follow the new order. If you haven’t touched base on holidays, though, you will either need to agree to a schedule or return to court to make changes.
What if my holiday falls on the other parent’s visitation day? Holidays trump regular parenting days, which means that you would have the child as planned on the holiday.
What happens if one parent missed a holiday and is asking for the next one? If the parent missed a holiday by their own choosing, you may have a case to keep the child for the next holiday. However, if the circumstances were out of the parent’s control, the court may see it another way.
If a parent is missing visitation, can I keep the child for holidays? No, because the schedule can only be changed if the parties agree to it either verbally or through court. The same goes for if a parent is missing holidays because they work – the order stands above all and the parent must comply until a judge says differently.
Many aspects of your life may become a bit more difficult after a divorce takes place. However, the children want stability in their lives, which means that you must work together to ensure that they can enjoy their holidays with either or both parents. If you need help with a custody case, give us a call today. We can help you with all your needs and answer your questions.
