Holidays can be tricky when you have extended family. Deciding whose turn at whose house can be difficult. But when you add in a split where children are involved, it can get downright ugly.
It doesn’t have to be that way. Here are three tips for working it out peacefully:
- Plan in advance. Whether you’re divorcing or working out a paternity case, cover holiday placement in your court order. Detail who has the kids at what times during various holidays with a specific plan.
- Be flexible. In most cases, you’ll come away with a more satisfactory plan if you work together as parents to develop an agreement. If you leave it to the court, chances are far greater one or both parents will be unhappy with the results. Also, if you haven’t planned in advance (see tip #1), you may not even be able to get a decision from the court in time for the upcoming holiday.
- Remember the kids. As parents, your focus should be on your children. What’s best for them may not mirror what’s best for you, but centering on their best interests ultimately will guide you to better decisions.
By Brian Weber, Lawyer at Johns, Flaherty & Collins. For a divorce lawyer in La Crosse, contact Brian at 608-784-5678.