Family Law

Fremont Divorce Attorney Discusses Christmas, Hanukah and Eid ? Holidays and Children in Family Law Cases

By Scott Sagaria

Fremont Divorce Attorney Discusses Christmas, Hanukah and Eid ? Holidays and Children in Family Law Cases

As the holidays approach, many parents face the dilemma of how to split the holidays with their children. After all, every parent wishes to spend Christmas, Thanksgiving and other important holidays with their children ? these holidays revolve around families. Unfortunately, kids are not easily split in half, and nor is it possible in most cases to spend the holidays with both parents at the same time, as happens with intact families. But, parents can be creative and positive about how to share the holidays.

For example, many divorced parents alternate the holidays, so if one parent has Thanksgiving, the next holiday goes to the other parent. Or, some parents will divide a holiday in half, so a child might be two Thanksgiving dinners, one early and one later in the day on Thanksgiving. Still other parents choose to celebrate the holiday on a different day, so a child might celebrate Thanksgiving on Thursday and again on Friday or over the weekend. Likewise, with Christmas, many families will agree that the children should spend Christmas Eve with one parent and Christmas Day with the other, and alternate which parent gets which in different years.

Parents of children who have divorced, separated or not living together parents need to do everything they can to make the holidays a positive and happy time for the children. Children should not feel pulled between parents, but instead they should look forward to having time with both parents, however that time may be structured. Many children look forward to having two of each holiday, even if one is celebrated somewhat belatedly. Christmas presents are just as exciting on December 26 or 27 as they are on December 25. Other holidays last over multiple days, such as Hanukah, so children get to enjoy time with both parents over that holiday.

Finally, since school is typically out for most of the time around these holidays, parents should take advantage of that time whenever possible to ensure their children enjoy the full holiday experience. Perhaps a noncustodial parent can spend some extra time with the kids during those school breaks, or the kids can see both parents more since class is not in session. Most importantly, parents should try not to fight and put their children in the middle at any point, but especially during the holidays. This is supposed to be a happy time of year, and children with parents who don?t live together may feel stressed that their family isn?t like their friends. Parents have to try to alleviate those feelings, and make the differences positive wherever possible.

If you have questions about sharing custody of your children during the holidays, or arranging a mutually beneficial visitation schedule for them, consulting a family law attorney can help. Here at Sagaria Law, we deal with all types of custody disputes, and we strive to help parents find solutions that work for them and their children. We offer a free consultation, either in person or over the phone, through any of our six Northern California locations: Monterey, Salinas, San Jose, Fremont, Redwood City and Sacramento. Please call 1-800-941-6730 or visit www.sagarialaw.com for your free consultation.

Full post as published by California Family Law Blog on December 03, 2008 (boomark / email).