How to Have a Not-So-Scary Halloween After Your Illinois Divorce

 Posted on October 19, 2018 in Family Law

Halloween marks the time of the year when a months-long procession of holidays, events and seasonal celebrations begin. When you think of the holiday season, you probably think of Thanksgiving and Christmas. But you should not forget about Halloween - especially if you have younger children.

Halloween is a very child-oriented holiday, and it is one that your children will probably have memories of for years to come. You do not want to spend this holiday fighting over who gets to spend time with your child when, which is why if you do not already have these issues outlined in a parenting plan, you should start talking about it now with the help of a skilled family law attorney.

Here are 3 tips to help you have a happy and fun Halloween:

1. Communicate, Communicate and Then Communicate Some More

With many things when it comes to co-parenting, communication is key. If your child is in elementary or middle school, there are probably various events, parties and parades that they are going to be attending. Many of these will be at school. Often, parents will be invited to join in on the festivities. This can be problematic if you and your ex are not on good terms, but communicating in advance how you will divvy up those events can save you some stress.

2. Split Your Time With Your Child - Or Share It

You have two decisions when it comes to spending time with your child on holidays - either split the day doing activities or do those activities with your child and your ex. When it comes to Halloween, you could take your child trick-or-treating in your neighborhood first and then drop your child off at your ex’s house so they can have their turn. More trick-or-treating means more candy - and your child probably will not object to that. If you and your spouse are up to it, take your child trick-or-treating together.

3. Put Your Differences Aside

If you and your ex still have hard feelings toward each other, try to put them aside for your child. Being able to spend Halloween with your ex and your child shows your child that you both are willing to put aside your differences to make this a special day.

Contact a Hinsdale, IL Child Custody Attorney

Many of these issues can be solved by having a comprehensive parenting plan set in place. When you were going through your divorce, you were required to draft a parenting plan. If you are unhappy with your current parenting plan, or provisions need to be changed regarding holidays, you should get in touch with a DuPage County child custody lawyer. The Law Office of Martoccio & Martoccio can help you make needed changes to your existing parenting plan. Call the office at 630-920-8855.

Sources:

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/halloween-trick-or-treat_b_6028064

https://safer-america.com/trick-treaty-compromise-key-co-parenting-halloween