Christmas Contact for Separated and Divorced Parents
You may think that it is far too early to be thinking about Xmas or making plans. However, the shops are starting to fill up with Christmas gifts for the early shoppers, and lights are starting to go up on the streets. With these preparations for Christmas, our family law solicitors say that if you are a separated or divorced parent you also need to start thinking about Christmas contact plans with your children.
Online and London Family Law Solicitors
For family law legal advice call the expert London family lawyers at OTS Solicitors on 0203 959 9123 or complete our online enquiry form.
It is never too early to prepare for Xmas contact
Family law solicitors say that it is never too early to reach an agreement on Xmas contact. Some parents have an agreement that works for them every year. For example:
- The children always spend Xmas Day with the parent they live with but the other parent gets Xmas Eve and New Year's Eve
- The children spend alternate Xmas with each parent and the parent who does not get Xmas contact gets the children at Easter or another important date in the year
- Christmas Day is split with the children spending time at both households as both parents still live nearby
Not all parents can agree on the principles of Xmas contact. Alternatively, things may change, such as:
- One parent may have a new partner and step-children
- A parent may want to take the children on holiday over Xmas
- A parent may have moved house making sharing Christmas Eve and Day a lot harder
- One parent may have changed their job and may now be working shifts or having to work over Xmas
- A parent may unexpectedly not be able to get their usual time off work at Xmas
- A parent may have the opportunity to take the children overseas to spend time with extended family and get to find out a bit more about their culture and heritage
- The children have said they do not like the Christmas contact arrangements. For example, splitting the day may work for both parents but not for the children
Christmas contact is for all parents
As specialist family law solicitors, we often hear the argument that Xmas contact should be prioritised for one parent as the other parent is not Christian. That is a point of view that some parents agree on. However, the parent who does not celebrate Xmas will probably want to spend extra quality time with the children during a festival that is important to them and their family. Alternatively, the parent may argue that Xmas is a time for families, whether you celebrate it as a religious festival or not, and that both parents should get to spend time with the children during the holiday season when the children are off school and some workplaces are closed or working shorter hours.
Agreeing to Xmas contact
In an ideal world, parents will agree on the parenting arrangements for their children over the Xmas period without needing to consult a family law solicitor. If you can reach an agreement then keep a record of it, even if it is only an email or text. That way if the other parent changes their mind, you have some evidence of what was agreed.
Child arrangement orders and Xmas contact
If you cannot agree on Christmas contact or other issues you may need to apply to the family court for a child arrangement order. A child arrangement order sets out the living and contact arrangements for children after a separation or divorce. An order is only normally necessary if parents cannot reach an agreement over residence or contact or over a specific issue, such as the precise Xmas contact arrangements.
If you do not think that you will be able to reach an agreement over parenting plans or Xmas contact it is best to speak to a family law solicitor as soon as possible. They will be able to advise you on whether they think your contact proposals are reasonable and whether you would be likely to be successful if you were to apply to the family court for a child arrangement order. They can also support you by providing legal advice during family mediation or by providing legal representation in your child arrangement order application.
If you have not already done so, the first step is discussing Christmas contact with your ex-partner to see if your usual agreement is going to take place or, if you do not have one, to see if you can agree to a Xmas contact schedule that works for you and your children.
Online and London Family Law Solicitors
For family law legal advice call the expert London family lawyers at OTS Solicitors on 0203 959 9123 or complete our online enquiry form.
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