Sharing Child Custody over the Holidays

Making a new custody arrangement work is difficult for everyone involved. This can be particularly true during the holidays when people are stressed and emotions tend to run high. If you are concerned about making it through the first holiday season after a divorce or separation, it may help you to know that many families have faced the same challenges. It may seem hard, but you can make it.

Unfortunately, one challenge that many divorced parents face over the holidays is unfair behavior from their former spouses. If you need help protecting your right to spend time with your children, call the San Marcos child custody lawyers of Fischer & Van Thiel, LLP at (760) 757-6854.

Helpful Tips

We hope you find the following tips useful for whatever occasions your family celebrates. If you have any questions about your rights and responsibilities in shared custody matters, our experienced San Diego shared custody attorneys are here to help.

Plan ahead of time. Ideally, the custody arrangement you have in place will include provisions for sharing the holidays. If not, you and your ex-spouse need to make these arrangements as soon as you can.

Try to arrange contact with both parents. Some families prearrange a time for the non-custodial parent to call his or her children, while others spend occasions like Christmas Day or Passover together. However you arrange it, try to let your kids get in touch with their other parents on special occasions.

Focus on your children’s feelings. If you will not have custody over the holidays, do not complain about your ex-spouse or discuss how bad you feel with your kids. If the kids will be with you, try to arrange a simple and pleasant celebration. Do not force happiness on them, though; let them know it is okay if they feel sad or angry.

With some preparation and patience, getting through the holidays is possible. Just remember that while things are different now, the holidays can still be enjoyed.

Speak with a San Marcos Divorce Lawyer

If you or a loved one is involved in family law litigation or a divorce case with child support, custody, or visitation issues, and need legal representation, don’t hesitate to contact the Fischer & Van Thiel Family Law Firm of San Marcos at (760) 757-6854 today to get solid legal advice and a professional Child Custody divorce lawyer consultation.