As the holidays approach, you may want to spend more time with your kids. It is possible to create a custody and visitation schedule on your own or with the help of a Salt Lake City child visitation attorney. The holiday schedule will become part of your visitation arrangement.
You and your former spouse must outline all the details about where your children will be during the holiday season.
The holidays are meant to be spent with family and friends doing all the things you enjoy. Although a holiday custody schedule is a great idea, it may also cause major battles between you and your ex. So it is important you hire a qualified family law attorney with experience in these types of cases. You want a peaceful holiday season. Without a holiday custody schedule, you could end up having complex arguments with the other parent.
Is the holiday custody schedule included in the parenting plan?
A custody schedule should be included in the parenting plan. Courts like to see how you and your former spouse handle the visitation schedule, including other major events year-round. The parenting plan is mandatory and an important aspect of your divorce proceedings. Besides the holiday visitation schedule, the custody arrangement will also include:
- Residential schedule: This is the basic schedule, which will include regular school activities and other visitation arrangements.
- Vacation schedule: This part includes school breaks and vacations that may not be categorized as formal holidays.
- Special occasions: This includes other special events such as birthdays and time with extended family.
It is important you plan for the holidays ahead of time so that you can avoid conflict between you and your former spouse. You can plan the holidays as you see fit, as long as the children’s physical and emotional needs are met.
Things you can include
Your schedule should include a few things such as the exact dates and times your children will spend with you and your former spouse. Make sure the schedule is fair and stable so your children can enjoy it. Some things you may include:
- National and religious holidays you observe.
- Where your children will spend each holiday.
- The options in case a visit is missed, including adjustments to your work schedule and what to do if your child gets sick.
- How you will handle disagreements.
When the other parent doesn’t agree
There are times when you and your former spouse may not agree, but you can still make those modifications. You can show the judge the holiday schedule you created and explain how it will meet the child’s best interest standard. Your ex can submit a schedule as well and the judge will determine what schedule is best for your children. You can also work with a mediator to create a schedule both parents can agree on. If you can convince the judge your schedule is better, it may get approved.