Holidays are fast approaching. Do you have a parenting plan ready? Whether you’re in the midst of co-parenting or starting fresh, now is the time to lock down your holiday schedule. At Bergermann Law Firm, we guide Fort Myers families through this process. You don’t want last-minute stress when you could be enjoying time with your kids.
How are you going to spend Thanksgiving or Christmas with your child? If you don’t have it in writing, things can get messy. A well-structured plan will save you headaches later. Make sure your plan is clear.
Who Gets Which Holiday?
Let’s get specific. You’ve got two options—split holidays or alternate them. Simple, right? But without planning, these can turn into a nightmare. Does your plan break the day in half? Maybe you have the morning, and your co-parent takes the evening. Or maybe it’s alternating years—you take Thanksgiving this year, and your ex gets Christmas.
Do these options fit your needs? If not, time to talk with your co-parent. Set realistic expectations. No one wins when plans fall apart.
The Key to Happy Holidays: Communication
Want to know the secret to a smooth holiday? Communication. Without it, even the best parenting plan can fall apart. What happens when the kids want to go to a family event or someone gets sick? Flexibility is key, but so is sticking to the plan. Talk it out early.
Your parenting plan should have all details ironed out, like gift-giving or travel. Nothing ruins the holidays like arguing over who buys what or when the kids will be where. Agree ahead of time, write it down, and stick to it.
Can You Change the Plan?
Life happens. Maybe you need to adjust the schedule. That’s fine—but make sure it’s official. Get any changes in writing. Better yet, have it approved by the court. Yes, it’s tempting to agree on the fly, but if things go south, you’ll need that legal backup.
Have you updated your plan lately? Maybe new family members are joining the celebrations, or your kid has holiday events. It’s important to modify your parenting plan regularly. The courts are more likely to approve changes when they’re in the best interest of the child.
Avoid Conflict, Keep It Simple
Nobody wants to fight during the holidays, especially in front of the kids. That’s why clear, simple plans work best. Avoid long drawn-out transitions between homes. Forcing your child to shuffle between households can take the fun out of special days. Set it up to minimize travel and make the most of the time you have together.
Does your plan do that? If not, now’s the time to revise it.
Handling the Unexpected
Not everything goes to plan. Emergencies happen. What if your co-parent is running late, or your child is sick? Be prepared with a backup plan. Discuss with your co-parent how to handle the unexpected. Build flexibility into your schedule, but make sure it’s documented. Courts want to see that you’re thinking ahead.
What if one parent has to travel for work? Discuss it in advance. Putting everything in writing protects you if conflicts arise later.
Keep It About the Kids
At the end of the day, your kids should come first. No matter what, their happiness is the priority. Make sure your holiday parenting plan puts their interests at the forefront. Are they being shuffled around too much? Are they spending quality time with each parent? These questions matter.
A well-constructed plan keeps everyone on track and ensures your child has positive holiday memories, regardless of where they spend the day.
Ready to Get Your Plan Together?
At Bergermann Law Firm, we know how important it is to have a solid parenting plan. The holidays are meant to be special, and with the right structure, they can be. Let us help you craft a plan that works for your family. Don’t wait until the last minute.
