With the holiday season rapidly approaching, divorced parents may be making plans for how to share custody around this time of year. Managing child custody after a divorce can be confusing and at times challenging. Are you a divorced parent with shared custody? You might be curious about how other divorced parents split custody around this time of year. Read on to learn more about child custody during the holidays in New York and how a Child Custody Attorney in Bohemia, NY can help you today.
What are common child custody arrangements during the holidays?
There are various ways that divorced parents can decide to split the holidays between themselves. The most common arrangements are:
- Alternate holidays every other year. (Ex: One parent gets to host the child on Thanksgiving for even-numbered years and the other parent gets to host the holiday on odd-numbered years)
- Assign fixed holidays. (Ex: One parent gets to host the child on Thanksgiving and the other parent gets to host the child on Christmas)
- Split the day of the holiday. (Ex: One parent gets to celebrate Christmas with their child in the morning and the other parent gets to celebrate Christmas with the child in the evening)
- Schedule a holiday twice. (Ex: One parent celebrates Christmas with the child on December 24th and the other parent celebrates Christmas with the child on the 25th)
The decision will likely depend on which holidays the parents find most important. Any combination of these ideas can be used for parents to make the best decision that works for them and their children. The most important aspect of deciding child custody arrangements is putting the interest of the children first.
What do I do if my ex and I can’t agree?
If both parents can’t agree on a holiday visitation schedule, the court will simply have to decide for you. If your ex is particularly difficult about child custody and refuses to compromise, you’ll likely have to take the disagreement to a judge. While litigation is not always ideal, it may be necessary for some situations. In New York, the courts generally favor giving both parents equal time with their children, given that 50-50 custody would be in the best interest of the child. Figuring out custody arrangements can be painful after a divorce, but parents should put their own issues aside to figure out what’s the best option for their child. Looking for a lawyer to fight for you? The Law Offices of Susan A. Kassel, PC are on your side! Contact us today for trusted legal counseling from a seasoned attorney.
