Celebrating the holidays after a divorce can be complicated, especially if you have children. Parents in Virginia want the holidays to be a good time for their kids, so it is important for both of them to be on the same page when it comes to child custody and the holidays. For many, this means reviewing their holiday child custody and visitation schedule and respecting each other’s time with their child.
When parents divorce, their child custody and visitation order will generally include which parent has the child on which holidays. For example, one parent might have the child on Christmas morning, and the other parent might have the child on Christmas afternoon. Or, one parent might have the child over the Christmas holidays on even-numbered years and the other parent will have the child over the Christmas holidays on odd-numbered years. Parents should review their holiday child custody and visitation schedule, not just so they know what to expect, but so they can make plans accordingly.
In addition, parents need to respect their ex-spouse’s time with their children. This means being on time for child custody exchanges. It could even mean helping the child choose a present to give to their other parent. Letting the child contact the parent who does not have them in their care during the holidays, for example, through a phone call or video chat, can also help keep the peace and make the child happy.
At our law firm, we understand that facing the holidays after a divorce can be challenging for parents. Sometimes, as the years go by, the original holiday child custody and visitation schedule is no longer feasible and needs to be modified. Or, some parents still have hostile feelings towards their ex-spouse and may not follow the holiday child custody and visitation schedule as they are supposed to. When situations like these happen, it can help to have the right legal information. Most parents will do what is best for their child, even after a divorce, but if problems arise it is good to know that help is available.