Christmas arrangements for separated parents: Some useful tips

With Christmas and the New Year holidays fast approaching, many separated parents face the dilemma of attempting to reach an agreement as to arrangements for their children. With such a focus on Christmas as being a special time for families, it is only natural that each parent would wish to spend as much time as possible with their children.

Most parents are able to reach an agreement between themselves; however, for some separated couples, it can prove difficult to reach an agreement, particularly when there are extended families to consider, such as grandparents and stepfamilies.

The most common arrangement is for childcare during the Christmas and New Year holidays to be shared on alternate years. Other parents split time with the children between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day.

A Parenting App can be a useful tool for parents to agree on a pattern of shared care and set up a calendar to avoid any potential crossed wires or misunderstandings. OurFamilyWizard is one such App which is very much favoured by the Family Court, and AppClose is a free Parenting App.

An agreed Parenting Plan is also a very useful document that can provide separated parents with the peace of mind of having an agreed plan in writing, setting out Christmas arrangements. The Parenting Plan can include arrangements for the entire year. Our Family team can support you and provide advice if you wish to agree a Parenting Plan with your ex-partner.

It is recommended that parents try to agree on holiday arrangements in good time. With the Christmas rush and all the stresses that come with trying to organise everything, the last thing parents will want to be doing is trying to navigate an agreement about Christmas contact a few days before the festivities begin. Again, here at Ashtons Legal, we can provide advice and offer solutions.

Contact our Family Law solicitors today

At Ashtons Legal, we support our Clients through these arrangements with care and clarity. If you need help resolving Christmas plans with your ex-partner, do please contact our specialist Family Law team for assistance. We also offer a Fixed Fee Consultation, enabling our clients to meet with one of our Family Lawyers to obtain clear advice on their options for a one-off fee.

Please contact our specialist Family Law team by using our online enquiry form or by calling 0330 191 0070.