Navigating arrangements for children over the Christmas period can be tricky for separated parents. Questions can arise, such as: How will the children spend time with each of us? Do I have to spend time with my ex-partner over Christmas? Should we split Christmas?
At Bridge McFarland LLP, we understand that the topic of Christmas for separated parents can be an emotive subject, as you are both keen to share the magic of Christmas with your children.
In family law, the wellbeing and safety of the children are always the priority when considering arrangements. Neither parent should feel at a disadvantage, and time should be shared equally where possible to do so.
Below are some considerations from our family team to help separated parents navigate the festive period:
Approaches to Sharing Christmas
- Try to plan ahead: The best advice is to keep it simple and plan in advance. By doing so, this creates stability and routine for your children. They understand the arrangements, leading to less tension and any potential conflict over the Christmas break. A Parental Agreement can be a useful tool to have those arrangements in writing so there is clarity as to the expectations of both of you.
- Can you split Christmas Day? If it is possible to do so, perhaps look at whether one parent can spend Christmas morning and the other spend time in the afternoon. The following year, perhaps this can alternate as a compromise.
- Celebrate on your own terms: If you do not have the children on Christmas Day, choose a day when you are with your children to celebrate Christmas Day together without the restraints of the Christmas calendar. This may perhaps be Christmas Eve or Boxing Day. Again, the following year this can perhaps alternate as a compromise.
- Can you split the Christmas break? It may be that you both agree to split the Christmas break so you both enjoy equal time over the Christmas holidays. Then the following year, this again could alternate.
- Listen to your children: Speak to your children, particularly if they are older, about how they would like to spend their Christmas. Understand how they want their celebrations to take place in an environment that makes them feel the most comfortable.
- Consider spending Christmas together: If you are both on good terms, why not spend Christmas Day together? This way, you are both getting to spend time with your children on the very special day. Of course, this is not for everyone and is on the basis that both of you are comfortable there will be no tension or animosity in the children’s presence.
- Focus on you: Don’t forget if you are unable to spend time with your children this year, make sure you spend time doing something enjoyable and fulfilling. Spend time with family and friends and keeping busy can help.
If you’re facing ongoing difficulties arranging time with your children over the Christmas break, there are legal solutions available including Court proceedings where necessary. If you need guidance on establishing a fair agreement or exploring the options of Court proceedings, our Family Services Team can assist you.
Our Family Law Team and Accreditations
We can help you with family law matters and disputes, providing advice and assistance on all aspects of divorce and separation, resolving children or financial issues, as well as pre-marital agreements, child abduction and agreements for couples who live together outside of marriage.
Our Family Law services
- Divorce and Separation (including Civil Partnership Dissolution)
- Child Law and Child Arrangements
- Financial Matters
- Co Habitation Agreements
- Pre-Nuptial and Post-Nuptial Agreements
We can also offer a Collaborative Law service to resolve matters using Alternative Dispute Resolution rather than the Court Process. However, if you believe these alternative ways forward are not for you, then we can advise and assist in the Court process for resolving matters on your behalf. Members of our family law team also hold the Children Law Accreditation, a recognised quality standard for practitioners representing children in children law proceedings.
What Our Clients Say About Us – Client Feedback:
“I would like to provide some positive feedback for Sarah Keeper & Katie Smith; they are two very kind, polite & hard-working individuals who always find the time to put you & your case first. Your needs/wants of the outcome is listened to respected & treated sensitively. They always call back & reply to emails promptly, they also strive forward with professionalism when given instructions as to what you would like done on your case within an appropriate working timeframe. They are welcoming, friendly, understanding, listen to your concerns attentively & supportive. I’d like to thank their continued support from what I have received from both of them so far. I can only hope this continues & I gain the outcome I wish to achieve for myself & my family.” Read other client testimonials here.
Useful Resources:
Lincolnshire County Council – Reducing Parental Conflict. Resources to help parents manage conflict and co-parent effectively. https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/keeping-children-safe/reducing-parental-conflict.
Gingerbread* – Charitable organisation providing advice, information and support to single parents. https://www.gingerbread.org.uk/
