Creating a child custody plan that both parties agree on can be challenging, especially when it comes to scheduling holidays. An experienced family law attorney can help you navigate this complex process. Here are some tips to consider. If you would like to schedule a consultation, call Law Office of Michael L. Fell at 949-585-9055.
The Basics of a Child Custody Visitation Order
Having a detailed visitation plan is crucial. This helps prevent future confusion or conflicts that could negatively impact everyone involved. Ensure your schedule includes specific details about where the child will be on all vacations, holidays, and special occasions. Typically, you and the co-parent can reach an agreement without a court order if you both are willing to collaborate.
Important Holidays and Special Days to Include
When drafting your holiday visitation order, consider including the following days:
- New Year’s Day
- MLK Jr. Day
- Presidents’ Day
- Easter
- School’s Spring Break
- Mother’s Day
- Memorial Day
- Father’s Day
- 4th of July
- Labor Day
- Halloween
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas Eve and Day
- School’s Winter Break
- New Year’s Eve
- Child’s Birthday
- Each Parent’s Birthday
Think about other times when your child might not be in school or days that hold special significance for your family. Remember, holiday schedules typically override regular visitation schedules. For instance, if you usually have your child on weekends but a holiday designated for your co-parent falls on a weekend, the co-parent will have custody on that holiday.
Various Options for Scheduling Holidays
If both parents live near each other, scheduling holidays can be more straightforward. Here are a few options:
- Alternate Holidays by Year: One parent can have certain holidays on even years and the other on odd years.
- Split Three-Day Weekends: Alternate or split three-day weekends in half.
- Divide Holidays: Split a holiday, such as having the child spend Christmas Eve and morning with one parent and Christmas evening with the other.
There are numerous options, and the key is to find a solution that feels fair for both parents and works for the child.
Modifying a Custody Schedule
While it is possible to modify a custody agreement, it’s not always simple, especially if the other parent does not agree to the changes. To make modifications, you might need to convince a judge, which can be challenging. Judges generally prefer to avoid disrupting the child’s routine, so you’ll need compelling evidence to justify the change.
Seeking Legal Assistance
No matter where you are in the process, having an attorney on your side is essential. At Law Office of Michael L. Fell, we are dedicated to helping you create a custody schedule that works for your family. Call us now at 949-585-9055 to request a free legal consultation.
Creating a custody schedule that includes holidays can be complicated, but with careful planning and the right legal support, you can develop a plan that benefits everyone involved.