For many divorced parents, the holidays can be incredibly difficult as you may be unable to spend certain special days with your child, which is why creating a holiday custody schedule is critical. The following blog explores some of the most common custody split options for the holiday season. You’ll also discover why working with a Nassau County family law attorney is imperative during these matters to ensure you receive a favorable outcome.
What Are the Different Kinds of Custody for Special Occasions?
Creating a custody schedule for holidays and other special occasions is critical for a number of reasons. If you and your spouse were to rely on the schedule in place, one parent could end up having custody for an unfair amount of holidays simply because they happen to have custody that day. However, creating a schedule specifically for holidays ensures both parents can spend time with their children.
One of the most common options is for parents to split the holidays in half and alternate each year. For example, Parent A has Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and the Fourth of July on even years, meaning Parent B will get those holidays on odd years. During even years, Parent B will have Christmas Eve, New Year’s Day, and Thanksgiving, which Parent A would have during odd years. This allows both parents to spend certain holidays with their children on a regular basis.
Another common option for parents is to assign fixed holidays. Essentially, this means each parent would have a certain holiday every year. This can be tricky, however, as many parents want to spend the “bigger” holidays, like Christmas or Thanksgiving, with their children.
Finally, you may choose to split each holiday with your ex-spouse. For example, Parent A may have the child Christmas Eve into Christmas Day before Parent B gets custody to spend Christmas Day with the child.
What Holiday Custody Schedule Is Best?
Like anything, there are advantages and disadvantages to each option, and what works for one family may not work for others. As such, it’s in your best interest to work with an experienced family law attorney who can help you and your spouse work out the best schedule.
For example, you may both agree that you want to split holidays. However, if you live far apart, this means your child could spend their holidays traveling between locations rather than celebrating. As such, this may not be an ideal option for your child.
Another option is to rotate or assign fixed holidays, and the parent who doesn’t have custody can celebrate at a different time with their child. For example, if Parent A gets Thanksgiving every year, Parent B may choose to celebrate on the following weekend so they can have the experience with their child.
As you can see, there are many things you must take into consideration to make the holidays less stressful for yourself and your child. That’s why working with the team at Barrows Levy PLLC is critical. We know how complicated custody matters can be which is why we will do everything possible to assist you. Connect with us today to learn how we can help you.
