If you’re a parent who is currently going through a divorce, you will definitely understand the struggles of creating a schedule for sharing custody with your ex-spouse. There are many factors you must consider when making your visitation schedule, and one of the biggest is how you will handle holidays throughout the year. And with the holiday season quickly approaching, it may be time to consider how you will create your holiday visitation schedule.
Importance of Creating a Holiday Visitation Schedule
No matter how well you get along with your ex, creating a schedule can save you both a lot of time and headache. The holiday season can make things a bit trickier though, because so many people want to spend these special days with their kids. Creating this schedule can require a lot of negotiations, which isn’t always fun depending on your relationship with your ex. Once it is put in place though, it can ease your stress and allow you to really enjoy the holiday season with your children.
How To Create Your Holiday Visitation Schedule
Each state has its own recommendations when it comes to individual holiday visitation, but you still will have to make some tough decisions with your ex. Some options you have when handling the holidays include:
- Fixed Holidays – Not every holiday is important to each parent. If there are holidays that you hold dearer than your ex, you can plan on having your children spend that day with you each year.
- Alternate Holidays – Another option is to have your children spend every holiday with one parent during even years and then switching to the other parent in odd years.
- Split the Holiday – You could consider splitting a holiday in half and have your children spend the first part of the day with one parent, and the later part of the day with the other. You will need to consider coordinating travel with your ex to have this option go smoothly.
- Celebrate the Holiday Twice – Another option is to schedule a holiday twice– once on the actual day and again either earlier or later. For example, one parent can celebrate Thanksgiving with the kids the Sunday after, while the other parent celebrates on the actual holiday.
The most important part of making your holiday visitation schedule is ensuring that you have taken your children’s needs into account. You need to make sure that they don’t feel any pressure or stress so that you can enjoy your time together and make beautiful memories.
To learn more about child custody and visitation schedules, contact Simon Law Group, PLLC. Our legal team will be happy to answer your questions and help determine your best options.
