It is generally always the case that during special occasions such as Christmas, separated parents both want to spend time with their children. Family members and traditions can sometimes cause situations such as this to become stressful and troubling, often leading to arguments, but it is possible to avoid this upset. In cases where child arrangements have already been predetermined by the Court, it is common that plans regarding contact have already been put in place for the festive period. If your child arrangements are not set in stone, we can help you to achieve a fair outcome for all involved.
Possible Solutions
1. Prepare Early
We always recommend sorting out arrangements as soon as possible so that all parties involved are aware of the situation. You should firstly start by considering the options available to you such as whether Christmas Day should be divided, for example, do the children wake up with you and visit your former partner in the evening? Or perhaps one parent spends Christmas Day with the children and the other on Boxing Day? Or even one parent spends Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with the children whilst the other spends New Years Eve and New Years Day with them? Whichever routine you decide on, can then be followed through for years to come on an alternate basis.
2. Seeking Legal Advice
If contact negotiations cannot be decided upon, it may be necessary to seek legal advice from Hodgkinsons Solicitors, Skegness. Your expert Family Lawyer will provide you with further advice and guidance as to how to reach an agreement. If negotiations do not proceed to a conclusion, your Lawyer will then write to your former partner to agree arrangements on your behalf to ensure that a formal arrangement is recorded in writing. Should this fail, your Lawyer can arrange for mediation to take place or apply to the Court to arrange and reach an agreement.
3. Putting the Children First
It goes without saying that the children’s best interests should always be put first, with their welfare and happiness being the ultimate deciding factor when determining care arrangements. It is paramount that both parents understand the detrimental impact in which contact disputes can have on any children involved. Listen to your children’s wishes and let them have their say. Once you are able to achieve an agreement, why not let your children then know? This way they can prepare themselves for Christmas and adjust to the new situation, without being left in the dark.
If you are a separated parent who is facing such difficulties, seek the expert legal advice you need by contacting Hodgkinsons Solicitors expert Family Law and Matrimonial Lawyers. Whether you need simple legal advice or representation regarding contact over Christmas or general child arrangements, our Team of Specialists can help you. At Hodgkinsons Solicitors, Skegness, we are often contacted by a number of parents in the months leading up to Christmas to assist with such sensitive issues. Our Family Law Department have many years of experience in handling Contact Orders for families based all over the East Midlands and across rural Lincolnshire to include Skegness, Boston, Louth, Grimsby and Lincoln. To get in touch call Hodgkinsons on 01754 897150 or submit a contact form and a member of the Team will be in touch.