Child arrangements over the Christmas period

Family law solicitor, Bronwyn Jenkins, takes a look at how to manage child arrangements over the festive period.

In the run up to Christmas you may find yourself navigating how to split time spent with your children with an ex-partner.

Reaching an agreement as to child arrangements can be a difficult and stressful time for many and these emotions are only heightened at Christmas time. It may be that you have recently split with a partner and are about to experience your first Christmas without the children, or that your ex-partner is seeking to make last minute changes to already agreed arrangements for the festive period. What ever the circumstances may be, it is important for children to spend quality time with both parents over Christmas wherever possible.

Find a support network

If this is your first Christmas adjusting to a new family structure, do not hesitate in contacting friends and family to ensure you have company. Most would be willing to open their doors over the festive period to members of the family and even closest friends. Do not be worried about asking for a little support during this time. Every family has complications and so more people than you anticipate may understand exactly what you are going through.

Start organising early

If you are attempting to agree child arrangements with an ex-partner, try to open the floor for negotiation early. The sooner contact is agreed the better as it means you can organise your Christmas knowing exactly who you will be seeing and when. This ensures everything runs smoothly for the children, whose interests and wellbeing are of paramount importance.

Being amicable

Further, any handovers and movements for the children would remain seamless for the children if matters are agreed amicably. Any hostility or confrontation between parents can cause significant damage to children in any circumstances. As Christmas is such an important and memorable time for children, it is vital to ensure that they do not remember their Christmas’ as being a time of conflict.

If you are struggling to come to an agreement with your ex-partner this Christmas time, Holmes & Hills can assist you in negotiating an arrangement that works best for everyone. We can help you understand your options as a parent to allow you to make an informed decision that achieves your aims and puts your children first. If an agreement is established, we can assist you in recording this into a legally binding document to ensure stability.

Holmes & Hills LLP offer an initial discounted appointment for those seeking legal advice from one of our Family lawyers. In this meeting, a solicitor will take the time to understand your situation and the outcome you want. If you would like to book an initial meeting, then please do not hesitate to contact us.