Navigating The Holidays With The Kids After A Divorce
A time of celebration and joy, the holidays can also be stressful and lead to family arguments. This is true even when a person is not going through the divorce process, but navigating time with the kids while divorcing can open up more disputes. Even after a divorce is finalized, the holidays can lead to co-parenting fights.
How time with the kids should be outlined depends on the situation. A Bucks County family attorney can help. Moving toward a solution as soon as possible is recommended. Arguing over who will spend a holiday with the kids in the days before an event can make the situation more difficult to resolve. If a court order is needed, it could require weeks. Contact an attorney to learn about your options.
Holidays Often Included in Custody Arrangements
Major holidays are often addressed in a custody arrangement, a schedule of alternating major holidays could be included, giving each parent a chance to celebrate their family traditions with their kids. If you have a custody arrangement in place, double check it before you make plans to avoid being upset or disappointed.
If you have concerns, go over the custody schedule with an experienced family lawyer. Clarity can be helpful. Then, if you feel something in the agreement is not correct and needs to be modified, you can talk to your attorney about what choices you have to make that change.
Divorce is a major change in children’s lives. When possible, keep holiday sharing as stress-free as possible. This could include keeping up traditions in your household but allowing the kids to attend traditions with their other parent’s family as well, even if you no longer get along with that individual.
An Opportunity to Create Your Own Traditions
Many experience loneliness during the holidays, but your kids are not the only people you can connect with if they will be spending time with the other side of their family. It can be helpful to create new traditions too, such as a meal on holiday evening with neighbors and friends.
There are also opportunities to connect with new traditions that build up your community. Volunteering or participating in neighborhood holiday activities could bring a joyful feeling to your holidays, even if they are different from the ones you experienced in the past. Sharing positive holiday experiences with the kids can help them to feel more comfortable with moving between households.
Bucks County family attorneys know that there are a lot of emotions involved in the divorce process. A lawyer can help you understand what options are available and give you advice on how to schedule holiday disputes and other co-parenting issues.
Are you struggling with how to handle co-parenting during the holiday season? A skilled lawyer has the experience to secure the future you are seeking. The family law attorneys at Kardos, Rickles & Hand help. Our dedicated legal team understands the finer points of family law. There are opportunities to create the life you want. Schedule your consultation today, call 215-968-6602.
