
Facilitating Child Arrangements during Christmas with Your Ex-Partner: Let FT Law Assist You.
Making arrangements for children this Christmas
With Christmas fast approaching, now is the time to agree on how your children will spend time with the other parent during the holidays. Christmas can be a stressful time for separated parents as they plan the festivities and plan where and how they’ll each spend quality time with the children.
At this time of year we see an influx of clients getting in touch for help to try and resolve arrangements for Christmas contact. Family judges have made it clear that parties should only be bringing disputes over children to court where absolutely necessary. Parents have been criticised for asking the court to micro-manage child arrangements. The view from the court is clear – where possible you should be sorting these things out yourself.
Some top-tips for making child arrangements during Christmas
Preparation is key- If you do not have plans in place, now is the time to start. Talk to your ex-partner and agree on arrangements that work for you all.
Be prepared to be flexible as plans may need to change - Focus on the children. First and foremost, put the children at the heart of the plans you make.
Make sure you share your plans with the children - Depending on the age of the children, ask them what they would like? Older children need to feel they have a voice and the routine will make them feel safe and secure.
Be fair to the other parent - It is likely that you will both be dreading not spending Christmas entirely with your children. Even though it can be difficult, try to think about the impact of any plans on your former partner.
Stick to the plan - where possible, it is important that, whatever arrangements you come to, you both stick to the plan. Whilst flexibility is an essential part of positive child arrangements, it is important to maintain consistency and provide stability.
Get advice early - Christmas is chaotic and organising a co-parenting schedule on top of everything else is never going to be easy, take advice from a family lawyer who can try to assist in negotiating an agreement.
Court proceedings are possible but should be used as a last resort. Hopefully, these tips, combined with some careful planning, compromise and putting the children first, will help you have a harmonious Christmas.
Get in touch if you would like any advice on child arrangements during Christmas, or any other family law issues.
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