Co-Parenting at Christmas

Although it feels too early to be thinking about Christmas, for separated parents, now is the perfect time to be planning your Christmas arrangements.

For a lot of separated parents, Christmas can bring added stress if arrangements for their children over this period are not agreed.

If there are no welfare issues, the court’s usual approach for Christmas arrangements is for the child to spend time with each parent over the Christmas period.

It is best for parents to agree what that should look like for their child, bearing in mind the Christmas activities that the child may be involved in and the extended family obligations during this time.

Whatever the arrangements are, it should always be child focused and in their best interests. A court will not be interested in hearing about parent’s needs.

If it is not possible to agree the arrangements either directly or through another form of dispute resolution, then an application should be made to court sooner rather than later.

Given the strain on the court around this time of year, if your application is made too late then you may not have the opportunity of receiving a court date prior to Christmas.

Some common themes for parents to consider when agreeing arrangements for children over the Christmas period:

1. Consider alternating Christmas Eve overnight into Christmas Day morning arrangements. A child will be more than happy to experience the joy of opening their presents after Santa has been with each parent and to enjoy the different and new traditions each parent will bring to Christmas Day morning.
2. Splitting the Christmas period in half so that parents can take children on breaks away from home either for a holiday or to see extended family members. If going away, make sure passports are handed to the other parent in good time.
3. Consider how parent’s work commitments may alter child arrangements, particularly if they are unable to take time off work.
4. Try to compromise and be flexible if you can.

We’re proud to have a reputation for supporting families across the North East with professionalism and care.

From family disputes to couples creating future-focused agreements, we’ll guide you every step of the way. Your family’s future is our priority.

If you are experiencing issues regarding your child arrangements over the festive period and would like a chat to discuss this, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Family team by emailing FamilyTeam@Jacksons.law.