When family structures change, difficult situations can arise regarding arrangements with the children, and during festive seasons such as Christmas, it is more common for bitterly disputes to arise between separated parents. This year, the ongoing situation that is COVID-19 also presents additional challenges for parental arrangements. It is understandable that both parents often wish to spend special days over the festive period with their children. So, how do you work it out amicably?
1. Explore your options
Think about the possible options you have, could the children visit one parent over Christmas eve and Christmas day, and visit the other throughout New Years? If you both wish to see the children on Christmas Day, can you work it out so that they wake up at one house, and switch houses later in the day? If there are any other children involved, you should consider their arrangements and whether you can work it out to suit them. You should also consider work patterns, if one parent is working over New Years, it may be convenient that this parent has the children over Christmas instead. You should also consider rolling your plans out on an alternate basis year to year to ensure that it works out fairly for both parents going forward and the children know what to expect.
2. Talk to the kids
It is important to approach matters such as this with careful consideration to those directly affected, especially the kids. They may have specific ideas about what they want to do this Christmas. It is important that their wishes are not dismissed and asking them could provide a simple resolution to your issue. When plans have been decided, share them with the children so that they understand where they will be throughout the festive period.
3. Communicate with each other
Communicating clearly with one another can be the difference between a stress-free and stressful Christmas. If you have ideas of how it could be organised, share them with each other. Compromise is key, and it is important to recognise that for the benefit of the children, you may be required to compromise. This also means sticking to the plan whatever you decide. Last minute changes may cause upset to the other parent and the children, so it is important to make sure they are aware of any potential disruptions and delays so that they can be prepared.
It is certainly going to be in your child's best interest if you can agree the arrangement between yourselves. That being said, if you find that it is necessary to obtain legal advice regarding contact arrangements or residence Orders, our Lawyers can help you. At Hodgkinsons we will always encourage you to understand the best interests of both you and your children and aim to resolve problems through negotiation rather than proceed through the Courts. In some cases, however, applying to the Court for a decision may offer the most sensible option, and it may be the only method to achieve the right outcome for you. Our Family Law Team have over 38 years of experience in representing individuals at Court regarding children and parenting issues. We are experienced in helping with such issues in a way which is sensitive, understanding, and compassionate, and we have the expertise to help parents to resolve their disputes in the best possible interests of the children.
For expert legal advice regarding child arrangements, call our Family Law Team on 01754 897150 or submit your enquiry online to request a call back.