The holiday season can be one of the most joyful times in a child’s life. However, for co-parents who share custody of their children and do not have a holiday visitation agreement in place, this can quickly escalate to a stressful time for both children and their parents.
Misunderstandings about custody schedules during the holidays, along with hard feelings toward an ex-spouse can create a logistical nightmare for co-parents during the holidays. In fact, it is from this lack of planning and agreement among former spouses that unnecessary stress and negative feelings tend to result in the first place during this time of year.
The fact is, if divorced or separated, going through the holidays with children requires planning and cooperation from both parents. When both parents want to have the children for the holidays, or they simply cannot agree on a schedule, a holiday visitation agreement is especially important.
With a custody holiday visitation agreement in place, it is absolutely clear which parent will be spending which holidays with the children. Some compromise is required, just like other types of agreements. But with a holiday visitation agreement in place, you eliminate surprises, stress, and potentially arguments with your former spouse because each parent knows exactly when they will be spending time with the child or children.
Every situation is different and there is no “one size fits all.” To help, here are various types of holiday visitation agreements to consider, dependent on your situation.
Various Types of Holiday Visitation Schedules
Dual Holiday Schedule
In this type of arrangement, the child would essentially celebrate each holiday twice. He or she would spend it once with each parent. The agreement would establish and outline the dates that the child would be with each parent for each holiday.
Split Holiday Schedule
In a split holiday schedule, children spend one part of a given holiday with one parent and then spend the other part with the other parent. If it is important to both parents that children be with them on the actual date of a holiday, this schedule allows for that.
However, it is usually only for part of the holiday – hence the split schedule. For example, a child may spend Christmas Eve with one parent and then spend Christmas Day with the other parent
Fixed Holidays
In this sort of arrangement, the child will always spend a specific holiday with a specific parent. In some cases, certain holidays are more important to some parents over the other. This sort of schedules ensures that the child will always with a specified parent for a specified holiday.
For example, if it’s important to one parent that a child is always with them on Easter, this sort of arrangement would specify that condition.
Alternating Holiday Schedule
Here, children get the chance to spend every holiday with each parent, on an alternating basis. For instance, a child may spend Thanksgiving with one parent one year and then with the other parent the following year. While not ideal for all co-parents, this sort of arrangement does work for some.
Above all, the most important thing to consider in a holiday visitation agreement is that it meets the needs of both parents and children involved.
The holiday time frame can easily create unnecessary stress and angst among co-parents if not properly addressed. By taking the time to determine an agreement that is practical for everyone, you will help make this time the most memorable for your child, while making the holidays the most enjoyable possible for you too.
Need Help with a Holiday Visitation Agreement?
The holidays should be a joyful time for children and their parents. But we understand that fighting with an ex-spouse about who the children will be spending the holidays with can create a world of headache and heartache.
Speaking with a divorce attorney with experience handling custody matters can certainly help. With the holiday season upon us, give yourself the peace of mind knowing exactly when your children will be with you during the holidays with a visitation agreement that works for everyone.
If this is you, please contact us. We are here to help.
