Holiday breaks can be a trying time for families after they get a divorce. Whether the breaks are for the winter holidays, spring break, or summertime, it is important for divorced families to navigate this time carefully as they co-parent. Part of your divorce settlement should include plans for where the children spend their holidays. However, these plans may need to be altered based on varying circumstances. The following are some things to keep in mind as you co-parent during holiday breaks.

Should You Share Holiday Breaks?

In some divorce arrangements, parents will get their children for the duration of the holiday break. This method makes the scheduling of holiday breaks easy, and everyone knows what to expect. However, it may be beneficial in other ways to split the holidays. This allows parents to have their children at least part of the time for each break. This will all depend on your personal circumstances, such as work schedules and other plans during holiday breaks. Think about the pros and cons of such a situation and determine what your options are.

What Are Some Good Co-Parenting Tips?

Before any holiday break, especially summer break, be sure to communicate with the child's other parent to discuss and reaffirm any plans you currently have in place. This is the time to bring up any modifications you may need to make if circumstances change. Discuss your plans and what you intend to do, such as plans to go out of town or on vacation while the children are with you. Each parent should be aware of where the children will be when they are with the other parent.

Another thing to talk about is any expenses that may be incurred during the holiday breaks and how they will be handled. This is something that you should include in your written parenting plan, but it is always helpful to revisit the information prior to the holiday break. For example, if your children are going to attend a summer camp, make sure you both agree on how that will be paid for. Consider if you have any summer birthdays and how you will handle those as well.

These are just a few tips on how you can make the co-parenting relationship healthier, especially when it comes to holiday breaks. If there is ever a discrepancy in your parenting plan or if your co-parent does not adhere to the agreed-upon plan, make sure you contact your attorney right away.

For more information, contact a divorce lawyer near you.