CHILD CARE AT CHRISTMAS!

Help for separated parents for the festive period:

Sharing the festive period with children can be really challenging for parents who have separated or divorced. It is common for parents to find reaching agreements difficult and feeling unsure on how best to make it through, what’s meant to be, the most wonderful time of the year for children.

We would always recommend starting discussions early, leaving yourself extra time to iron out any bumps along the way. This extra time will allow you, and your young children to adjust to what Christmas may have in store. Knowing where they will be waking up and reassuring them that Father Christmas will be making a visit wherever they may be is never a bad thing.

If your children are older, you may wish to ask for their views on the festive period. Your children should feel that their views are taken on board, however this does not mean that the children should make the decisions. It is important that your children don’t feel like they must choose the arrangements as, unsure with what is best, they may feel under pressure to please both parties and feel caught in the middle with an impossible decision to make.

When negotiating with an ex-partner, communication is key. This may sound very easy but we understand this can be exceptionally difficult. It is important you approach matters calmly, focusing on the children’s needs. If you feel this isn’t something that can be achieved, you may consider using a parenting app. There are plenty of parenting apps now available on the market and many are completely free. You must remember that the negotiations will always require compromise and neither you nor your ex-partner are likely to be completely satisfied.

We would always recommend that whatever agreement is made, you consider writing this down. This should avoid any misunderstandings and can always be referred to if required.

What happens if we cannot reach an agreement?

If you and your partner cannot agree you may wish to progress matters to mediation and seek the help of a professional. Following mediation, you may be unable to reach an agreement and you may consider progressing the matter to the court, seeking a Child Arrangements Order. At this stage we would always recommend consulting a professional.

What happens if I already have a child arrangement order in place?

If you and your ex-partner already have a Child Arrangements Order in place, in some cases the provision for Christmas may not be included. If this is the case, you may seek to vary the Child Arrangements Order to include arrangements for Christmas. Before requesting any changes to existing orders, we would recommend consulting a solicitor to discuss your options.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your personal circumstances, please do not hesitate to contact Peace Legal Solicitors who will be very happy to listen and assist where possible.

Please call: 01226 341111 and speak with our Family department.