Sharing Custody During the Holidays

San Jose Child Custody Lawyer

Sharing Custody During the Holidays

Adjusting to a divorce or legal separation is difficult for everyone involved. For many families, this is especially true during the holidays. In addition to the ordinary stress of preparing for a big event, divorced families face the challenge of developing holiday visitation schedules and adjusting to a drastic change in family traditions.

Fortunately, there are steps parents can take to make this process a little easier on their children and themselves. If you will be sharing custody over the holidays, consider the following tips:

Arrange a schedule with the other parent that you can both agree on. Try to have this finalized as soon as possible. It should be understood that last minute changes are only acceptable in emergencies or very special circumstances.

Try to enjoy yourself, but don’t force it. The first round of holidays after a divorce is a sad and stressful time for everyone. If you insist on acting like nothing serious has changed, your children may feel guilty or ashamed of their feelings.

If you do not have custody of your children over the holidays, be sure to make other plans for yourself. It will be a difficult time, and you do not want to spend it miserable and alone. Make some low key plans with friends, or even schedule a trip if that helps you feel better.

A San Jose Child Custody Attorney Can Help

If you need legal advice on your custody arrangement, we can help. San Jose child custody attorney Daniel Jensen at 408-296-4100.