Child Custody Options Over the Holidays

 Posted on December 09, 2020 in Family Law

The holiday season is upon us and, while it is going to be slightly different for many this year, there are some things that will not change for parents of divorce. The COVID-19 pandemic has not affected court-ordered child custody and visitation time. Even though dropping a child off at someone else’s house does come with unique concerns during this time, the fact is that child custody orders are legally binding, and parents must continue to comply with them.

The holidays can present even more unique challenges, particularly if the parents do not have a visitation schedule in place. If you have gotten a divorce, or are getting a divorce and do not know how to divide this time, below are some common options.

Alternating the Holidays

One of the most common ways to handle child custody during the holidays is to alternate them. So, if the mother has the children over Thanksgiving, the father will have them over Christmas. The following year, those holidays will rotate with the mother having the children for Christmas, and the father spending Thanksgiving with the kids.

Fixed Holidays

Some holidays mean more to certain people than others. When this is the case, it often makes sense to choose fixed visitation for certain holidays. For example, if the mother is Jewish, she may choose to spend Hanukkah and Passover with the children, while the children will spend Christmas and Easter with their father. The same method can apply if one parent has a big Fourth of July barbecue every year, while the other parent likes to take the kids trick-or-treating on Halloween. Determining the priorities of you and your spouse can make child custody decisions easier.

Sharing Holidays

Sometimes it is possible for parents to share the same day with the child. For example, the children might spend Christmas morning with one parent, and then head over to the other parent’s house for dinner that night. Of course, this solution only works when the parents live fairly close to each other. When choosing this option, it is important to ensure the children do not spend most of their time in transport. Otherwise, their memories will likely revolve around long and boring car rides rather than time spent with their parents.

Sharing Celebrations

When former spouses can act civilly towards each other post-divorce, they can sometimes share celebrations such as children’s birthdays. This arrangement works best when the celebration is held at a neutral venue where the parents do not have to be in constant contact with one another.

Need Help with Your Arrangements? Call Our Hinsdale Child Custody Lawyers

If you are getting a divorce and need help with your child custody arrangements, our experienced Hinsdale family lawyers can help. At the Law Office of Martoccio & Martoccio, we know how to negotiate fair child custody arrangements with the other party to secure a settlement that is favorable for you. Call us today at 630-920-8855 or contact us online to arrange a free initial consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.

Source:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?ActID=2086&ChapterID=59&SeqStart=6000000&SeqEnd=8300000