New Jersey Child Custody Issues and the Holidays
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and while it’s a great and festive holiday for many, the legal team at Wilhelm & Roemersma knows that it can be a stressful time as well. With the end of the year approaching, our New Jersey family law attorneys deal with a number of issues, such as ensuring child support is being paid in full and trying to work out amicable plans between spouses. Visits during the holidays can be a major problem, and we’d like to consider why and what can be done about it right now.
The Holidays Can Pose Major Difficulties
The end of the year is an exciting time given that children are out of school. Obviously both parents would love to spend quality time with their child during this special time of year. Yet the reality for many separated or divorced couples is that the holidays can be very stressful when it comes to visits and custody.
A few of the topics we bring up below can help ease the stress and burdens that divorced couples may face during the holiday season.
Set Up a Schedule to Avoid Arguments
One way to avoid a lot of holiday visitation disputes is to set up a visitation schedule with your former spouse well before the holiday season. This will ensure that everyone is on the same page about where a child or the children will be on which holiday. By agreeing on the schedule for holiday visits, you’ll both achieve some peace of mind.
Consider Normal Visitation When Making These Holiday Plans
Something to take into account for any holiday visits is your regular visitation schedule. If you or your former spouse have custody of your children the week leading into a holiday like Christmas, for instance, you’ll want to discuss if it’s fair to keep the children though Christmas or split time between households.
Also consider other holidays throughout the year prior to Thanksgiving, such as the Fourth of July and Memorial Day. Sometimes spending extra quality time earlier in the year or during the summer may help determine visitation during the winter holiday season.
Discuss Travel and Gifts with Your Former Spouse
Holiday travel and holiday presents are often a major spot of contention between former spouses. In addition to coordinating visitation, be sure to speak with your former spouse about where you will be traveling for the holidays and for how long, as well as what gift(s) you intend to give your child. Avoiding duplicate gifts or duplicate experiences during Christmas or Hanukkah is important to consider for the sake of everyone during this time of year.
Always Keep Your Child’s Well-Being In Mind
Ultimately, every decision that you and your spouse make should have your child’s happiness and well-being in mind. While co-parenting can be stressful and emotionally exhausting, it’s worthwhile to work out amicable agreements if it’s in the best interests of your child.
Speak with the Attorneys of Wilhelm & Roemersma
For more information about visitation matters, child custody, and other concerns that you may face contact our divorce and family law attorneys today. The lawyers of Wilhelm & Roemersma will discuss your issues with you carefully and help you make wise choices when it comes to visitation, custody, and other matters.
