Christmas can be a difficult and stressful time for many, most particularly those parents who are separated.
There is only one Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and understandably separated parents (and children) wish to see and spend time with each other on that day.
Many parents have different arrangements, some choose to spend part of the Christmas with each other and their children. Some parents alternate Christmas arrangements so that their children get to experience Christmas in each of their parents’ households. This broadens children’s experience of Christmas and the festive season.
Tips for parents:
- Put your children first, what works for them?;
- Engage in early discussions with your partner or ex, do not leave it until the last minute.
- Act by example, be kind to the other parent, buy them a present from your child or children.
- If your former partner or ex is not seeing the children on Christmas Day for whatever reason, send them a picture, have a facetime/skype call. They will hopefully reciprocate when the children are with them for Christmas.
- Keep talking or try family mediation.
Our experienced mediators can help.
If agreement cannot be reached then an application for Christmas contact can be made.
For further information please contact a member of the Birketts Family Law Team, based in Cambridge, Chelmsford, Ipswich or Norwich.
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The content of this article is for general information only. It is not, and should not be taken as, legal advice. If you require any further information in relation to this article please contact the author in the first instance. Law covered as at December 2019.