Navigating arrangements for children during Christmas

Christmas is a joyous time of year, however it can also be a stressful time of year to navigate for separated parents. All parents want to see their children’s faces light up on Christmas morning when Santa has visited, but, decisions need to be made as to how children split their time between parents over the Christmas period, which can sometimes cause friction.

Ideally, arrangements for the Christmas period should be discussed and decided well in advance. This not only means that both parents can plan adequately, but also so the children know what to expect from the Christmas period. It is important that the children’s best interests are always at the forefront of the discussions.

When considering the arrangements for Christmas, it is also important to try and agree what indirect contact will take place, such as telephone calls and video calls. Some may find it best to arrange fixed times for these calls, so they can plan them into their festivities. Locations for contact may also need to be discussed, if, for example, children are going to spend part of the holiday with grandparents or other relatives.

What if we can’t agree?

In some cases, parents may need some assistance in order to reach an agreement as to where and how Christmas is going to be covered. Mediation or Collaborative law are both forms of Non-Court Dispute Resolution, where both parents come together, with the assistance of either a Mediator or Collaborative Solicitors, to try and resolve any disagreements surrounding child arrangements, both at Christmas time and also going forwards, if necessary.

In some circumstances, a court application for a Child Arrangements Order or Specific Issue Order may be needed. These types of Orders clearly set out the arrangements for how a child’s time is spent with each parent and can detail arrangements for Christmas and other events too. It is always best, however, to agree child arrangements outside of court. 

If you are a parent and would like some advice in respect of arrangements for children over the Christmas period, or in general, please contact Chloe Judge, Paralegal in the Family team at SE-Solicitors here on 01869 222 329, or by email at cjudge@se-solicitors.co.uk.