Many people experience stress and anxiety in the weeks leading up to the holidays, but for those who are co-parenting with a former spouse or partner, it can be especially difficult. Knowing what to expect, understanding your rights, and planning ahead, however, can help you to ensure your holidays, and those of your children, will be as merry as possible.
Read through the following key pieces of advice that will help you to co-parent successfully, even during this highly stressful time of year.
Your Child Custody Order is Not Inflexible
The first thing to keep in mind is that while your child custody order does set the framework for what will happen, it is not set in stone, especially during the holidays. Putting your child’s best interests first should always be the priority for both parents. If this means being flexible with what days and times the child is with each parent, that is completely acceptable. Your settlement agreement is a default position if you cannot otherwise agree.
You Can Stand Firm
That being said, however, while you can be flexible, that does not mean you have to let the other parent make all the decisions. If you cannot come to an agreement on a change related to the child custody order, it is completely acceptable to stand firm and follow exactly what is written in the order. This is the default option, and any flexibility should only happen when it is best for the child.
Get All Agreements in Writing
If you do decide to make some adjustments to your parenting plan during the holidays, make sure to get it in writing. Even if you don’t think that your former partner would raise issues after the fact, it is a good idea to get everything in writing. In addition to being able to prove that there was an agreement in place, having these things written down helps to avoid conflicts and misunderstandings.
Don’t be Afraid to Bring in Your Lawyer
Most of the information above, and all the other blogs published giving advice for co-parenting during the holidays, can be very helpful. In the end, however, it is important to make sure that you are doing everything you can to protect your rights and ensure the interests of your child are being met. This may mean having your attorney get involved. Here at Divorce & Mediation Law Firm we are always happy to help you with any situation.
There is a happy life waiting for you.
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Our trusted Legal Team provides bilingual legal services in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties. We handle all financial aspects of Florida Divorces, including Mediation, Postnuptial Agreements, and Asset Protection.
