For some the holiday season is a time of giving and cheer, but for
divorcing or divorced parents it can be incredibly stressful. You have the coordinate
which nights of Hanukkah that children will spend with what parent, or
if you celebrate Christmas, which parent will see the children on Christmas
day. At Houston divorce attorneys, we see many parents quarreling over
child custody during the holidays, which is why our legal team has created
some simple child custody practices to follow during the holidays.
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Review your child custody order: Many custody orders require parents to rotate holidays. Before you make
plans with your children, make sure you have reviewed your child custody
orders. Often parents forget and make plans with their children without
realizing it is the other parent’s turn to have the kids for a holiday.
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Create a plan with the other parent: Once you have reviewed your
child custody orders, work with the other parent to come up with a plan for the holidays.
If one parent has the kids for Christmas Day while the other for Christmas
Eve, plan out pick-up and drop-off times.
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Talk about your holiday plans with your children: Once you and the other parent have established a program, explain the plan
to your kids. Children benefit from knowing what lies in the future, it
gives them stability and the ability process what is to come.
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Be cordial with the other parent: You don’t have to be best friends with your ex, but don’t fight
in front of your children during the holidays. If you are unable to come
to an agreement for who has the children during the holiday season, don’t
ask the kids where they want to be, it will only make them feel like they
are being forced to choose sides.
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Create new traditions with your family: So many parents are caught up in the traditions of doing things on the
exact day of the holiday. This year, make new traditions with your kids.
If based on your custody order, you don’t have your children on
Christmas Day; tell your kids you’re going to create your own day
after Christmas tradition. Open presents, cook a meal and invite the family
over for a game night. This way, your children will have something to
look forward to.
If you are interested in modifying your custody orders or have any further
questions regarding child custody,
contact the Law Office of Kathryn Marteeny
to speak to our Houston child custody attorney.