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As the winter holidays approach, many families begin preparing for time off school, travel, and festive traditions. For parents who share custody, the holiday season can also bring stress and uncertainty if plans aren’t clearly established in advance. At Johnson Law Group, we’ve seen how last-minute decisions can create conflict — and how proactive planning can prevent it.
Whether you’re newly divorced or have been co-parenting for years, now is the time to make sure your holiday custody arrangements are clear, fair, and enforceable.
Why Holiday Custody Planning Matters
Winter break is one of the most emotionally charged times of year. Children may have expectations about family traditions, while parents may feel strongly about having their fair share of time during Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, or other holidays they celebrate.
Poor planning can lead to:
- Conflicts over pick-up and drop-off times
- Disputes about travel plans or out-of-state visits
- Uncertainty for children about where they’ll spend key holidays
- Last-minute court filings and emergency hearings
When both parents are unsure or disagree about the schedule, the children often suffer the most. That’s why holiday planning should be a priority every fall — before the decorations come out and travel begins.
Review Your Parenting Plan or Custody Order
The first step in holiday custody planning is reviewing your existing court order. Most custody agreements will include a holiday schedule, but not all are specific enough to avoid confusion.
Check your agreement for the following:
- Defined dates and times for custody exchanges during holidays
- Details about alternating holidays (e.g., mom has Christmas in even years, dad in odd years)
- Provisions for school breaks, snow days, or extended family visits
- Travel restrictions, including how far a parent can take the child without consent
If your plan is vague — or if you’ve noticed recurring disagreements each year — it may be time to revise your custody order or seek a temporary holiday modification.
Tips for Peaceful Holiday Co-Parenting
Even with a court order in place, communication and flexibility can go a long way. Here are some best practices we recommend to our clients:
1. Plan Early
Start discussing the holiday schedule in early fall. The sooner you talk, the more likely you are to avoid disputes.
2. Put Everything in Writing
Even if you agree verbally, confirm your plans in writing (email or co-parenting apps like OurFamilyWizard). This can help prevent misunderstandings later.
3. Keep the Kids in Mind
Focus on what’s best for your children, not just what’s convenient for you. If they have strong preferences or traditions they love, try to honor those when possible.
4. Be Flexible When Needed
Life happens — flights get delayed, kids get sick. If your co-parent needs to make a change, try to accommodate them when you can. Goodwill often goes both ways.
What If an Agreement Can’t Be Reached?
If you and your co-parent can’t agree on the holiday schedule, don’t wait until December to act. Courts get overwhelmed with emergency motions during the holidays, and last-minute filings may not be heard in time.
Instead, consider:
- Mediation: A neutral third-party mediator can help both parents come to an agreement without litigation.
- Temporary Modifications: If something unusual comes up (such as extended travel), your attorney can help you request a one-time change through the court.
- Enforcement: If the other parent is refusing to follow the existing order, legal action may be necessary to enforce your rights.
At Johnson Law Group, we understand how important it is to preserve peace and protect your parenting time during the holidays. Our experienced family law attorneys can help you:
- Review or modify your custody order
- Negotiate fair holiday schedules
- File motions for enforcement or emergency relief, if needed
Don't let your holiday season be overshadowed by legal stress. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and ensure your family is set up for a joyful — and drama-free — winter break.
