Holidays can be a complicated time for families, especially if parents are trying to create a holiday schedule after a separation or divorce. Traditions and plans that a family typically has during the holiday season are often disrupted, and it’s important for parents to determine how to help their kids have fun holidays despite the changes. An Omaha child custody attorney can help parents negotiate different schedules for the holidays when they create their parenting plan.
Parents should begin these discussions as soon as possible if they do not already have a plan. Waiting to determine the specifics can lead to confusion, frustration, and conflict. This can increase the stress for parents and kids. Both parents may want to spend as much time as possible with their children during the holiday season, and it’s important that they determine how to do this in a way that supports their children.
The Importance of Finding a Fair Solution for Co-Parenting During the Holidays
Holidays are important, especially for children. Often, this time of year is joyful and exciting, but this is often disrupted during parental separation or divorce. Kids are likely uncertain how these life changes will impact holidays. A clear holiday plan that lets families know what to expect and helps both parents spend a lot of time with their kids can be beneficial. It can help families limit their isolation and find some joy during this difficult time.
Negotiating this complicated time of the year can also help parents improve their communication and co-parenting skills. In turn, this can help each of them deal with the stress of the holidays and make things easier for their children. The right holiday schedule can help your children have a fun season, but it is crucial that you and your co-parent have a plan ready to follow.
Options for Splitting the Holidays as Co-Parents
The way parents split the holidays will partially rely on the custody and visitation arrangement they already have. There are many options for each parent to have time with their kids on holidays, whether they have split custody or one parent has primary custody. When determining holiday plans, parents should consider factors like their schedules, their children’s schedules and ages, and each parent’s budget. Some of the most common holiday arrangements include:
- Alternating holidays: In this arrangement, parents may split the holidays between them, and when one parent spends a specific holiday with their kids one year, the other parent spends that holiday with the kids the following year.
- Splitting the day or holiday time in half: If it is feasible to travel between parental homes, parents may consider splitting the holiday in half. One parent may spend the morning with the kids and the other the evening or split the holiday week or weeks in half.
- Setting fixed holidays: Parents may also have different preferences for specific holidays. They may set fixed holidays that children spend with one specific parent every year.
- Adding additional days: Parents may also designate new days as a holiday, allowing kids to celebrate the holiday twice, once with each parent.
- Spending the holidays together: Parents can spend the holidays together with their kids. This option is not always right for a family. If parents are unable to get along, spending the holidays together can be more upsetting for kids. It may also be better to avoid spending holidays together immediately after a separation or divorce because children may have a harder time adapting to the change.
Parents can also use a mix of these techniques to address major and minor holidays differently. The support of a skilled attorney is crucial when planning out custody arrangements, including the complex needs of the holidays.
FAQs
Q: How Do Separated Parents Navigate Holidays?
A: Separated parents can do holidays in many different ways, depending on how well they get along, their wishes, and the needs and developmental stage of their children. Parents may split each holiday day in half, alternate specific holidays each year, or even spend the holidays together.
Each option may have benefits and drawbacks depending on your family’s situation. You and your co-parent should discuss these options when negotiating your parenting plan and follow that parenting plan during the holiday season.
Q: At What Age Can a Child Refuse to See a Parent in Nebraska?
A: A child is only able to refuse visitation in Nebraska when they are 18 and emancipated. Before this time, they are not a legal adult and must follow the court’s order for custody and visitation. The court often considers a child’s wishes when deciding custody; however, if the child’s wishes do not support their best interests, the court will not adhere to their wishes.
If you are a parent of a child who is refusing visitation with your co-parent, professional support can help you identify your child’s concerns and determine if modification is needed.
Q: What Is the Most Appropriate Split Custody Schedule?
A: The most appropriate split custody schedule depends on your family’s unique circumstances and schedule. There is no schedule that fits every family the same. There are many different schedule layouts for parents with split custody, including alternating weeks, alternating weekends, and many other ways to split and alternate weeks and days.
You can review the options for splitting custody in mediation with a child custody attorney to determine the benefits and drawbacks of different custody arrangements.
Q: What Makes a Parent Unfit in Nebraska?
A: In Nebraska, a parent may be unfit if they lack the ability or refuse to provide their child with basic parental support and care in a way that would harm the child’s welfare. The court may determine a parent to be unfit and terminate their parental rights on grounds such as:
- Neglecting to provide for their child’s needs despite having the financial ability to do so
- Inability to adhere to parental responsibilities due to prolonged mental illness or deficiency
- Repeated or substantial child neglect
- Intentional bodily harm to the child
Creating the Right Parenting Plan for the Holidays
Every family is unique and has their own needs and preferences for addressing child custody during the holidays. Discussing these issues, finding common ground, and determining the logistics of split holidays is much easier with the support of an experienced attorney. Contact Stange Law Firm today to learn how we can help.
