When parents file for divorce, they must address child custody in their divorce decree. In fact, they will need to come to an agreement about child custody before a judge can sign off on their divorce and make it official. If parents cannot reach such an agreement, a judge will have to step in and make a decision for them based on the best interests of their children.
As parents decide on a child custody arrangement as a part of the divorce process, they have to address child custody over spring break, summer vacation, and the holidays, including Thanksgiving, Hanukkah or Christmas. If you are getting a divorce, you may have questions about how parents address child custody during the holidays.
In this article, we provide frequently asked questions and answers to help you have a better understanding of how child custody and the holidays usually work with divorced parents. For more information, feel free to contact our firm directly.
Your Questions Answered
These are the types of questions that come up frequently:
What if I don’t want to split the holidays with my ex?
If you and your ex are on good terms, you may want to consider spending
the holidays together as you usually do. This works well with low-conflict
families. And if one or both of you eventually meet someone new, it’s
a good idea to invite the significant other to the gatherings so they
can feel welcomed by all.
What if I don’t want to spend the holidays together?
A lot of people can’t see themselves spending the holidays with
their ex, perhaps they never will. In these types of situations, parents
often agree to alternate holidays every year, this way it’s fair
to both parents.
What if my ex and I have a poor relationship?
When former spouses have poor relationships, they’re often called
“high-conflict families.” If you have a high-conflict family,
it’s very important to be detailed about child custody in the divorce
agreement and not leave anything open to interpretation.
Make sure you stick to the agreement and expect your ex to do the same. Hopefully, as time goes by and the dust settles, you’ll be able to restore trust with one another and become more flexible with child custody.
Next: Can Fathers Win Custody of Their Kids?
We hope you found this article useful. If you need an attorney to represent you in a divorce or child custody matter, contact Malinowski Hubbard, Attorneys at Law, PLLC.