Sample Christmas Custody Schedule
Christmas can be a difficult time when you are divorcing, as this may be the first time that you are not spending the holiday together as a family. One way to make it a bit easier is to work with your co-parent and come up with a Christmas Custody Schedule that works for your kids.
There are many different ways in which families celebrate Christmas, and below you will find some sample language to consider for your parenting plan.
Alternating Christmas Custody Schedule
Mother will share time with the children for the entire winter break during odd-numbered years, and Father will share time with the children for the entire winter break during even-numbered years.
Split Christmas Custody Schedule
Mother will share time with the children from the day and time school is dismissed until December 24 at 8:00 p.m. every year. Father will share time with the children for the second portion of winter break.
Alternative Split Christmas Custody Schedule
Mother will share time with the children from the day and time school is dismissed until December 24 at 8:00 p.m. in odd-numbered years. Father will share time with the children for the second portion of winter break in odd-numbered years. Father will share time with the children from the day and time school is dismissed until December 24 at 8:00 p.m. in even-numbered years. Mother will share time with the children for the second portion of winter break in even-numbered years.
Mutually Agreed Upon Christmas Custody Schedule
The parents will work together each year and mutually agree upon a Christmas Custody Schedule based on the parents’ work and/or deployment schedule as well as availability to be in town for time-sharing.
Joint Christmas Custody Schedule
The parents will follow the regular schedule during the winter break. However, every year, the parents will jointly plan a Christmas celebration where they will jointly share time with the children. The parents may agree to go on a vacation together with the children so long as they agree on how expenses will be shared prior to the vacation being finalized.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the options available to parents. Whatever Holiday Schedule you and your co-parent decide upon, it is most important to always keep in mind the best interests of the children. One way to do that is to resolve all your custody issues via the Collaborative Family Law Process, where you and your co-parent work as a team with professionals to find what works for you.
Adam B. Cordover is a Collaborative Custody Lawyer who believes that parents can work together to find solutions best for their children. Adam is a proud member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals.
