Christmas is a family time, with children being the main focus. However, Christmas can be a difficult time for separated parents. Many parents may find themselves facing challenges when trying to agree the best arrangements for their children over the holiday period. Often both parents will want their children to be with them on Christmas day. Avoiding this clash of expectations by making arrangements early on is the best way to ensure the holidays can be stress free for both parents and children.
The key to avoiding unnecessary conflict is for parents to communicate with each other and plan Christmas contact well in advance. Many parents are going to be separated for the first time this Christmas, but they should seek to ensure that the pressure of these arrangements does not affect their child or children’s welfare. However, if a former partner is being obstructive on this, there are options you can consider such as communicating with your former partner by setting out your proposals for contact over the Christmas period, or instructing a solicitor to write a letter. Family mediation may also be an option, or if such routes are unsuccessful, it may be necessary to apply to the court to specifically deal with Christmas contact.
Christmas arrangements should be child-focused and many children split time between parents. If arrangements cannot be agreed, it is never too early to start thinking about your options rather than leaving it to the last minute.
We want to help you make the most suitable contact arrangements for your separated family at Christmas. This is a highly emotional area of family law for the entire family. Amongst other services, we are able to draw up an agreement reflecting what has been agreed in family-based arrangement. Consulting our specialist lawyers in our Altrincham or Manchester offices is a great first step. We can talk you through your options and help you decide what is the best way to proceed. Please contact us on 0161 927 3118 for a free 20 minute consultation.