Child contact arrangements at Christmas

“’Tis the season to be jolly.” This may be true for many, but Christmas can also be a very challenging time for separated parents and their extended families. Early agreement on child contact arrangements at Christmas can help the whole family enjoy the build up to this magical event.

All too often conflict between separated parents can overshadow this special period. Here, Solicitor Jayde Hampson in our family law team explores top tips to help separated parents in the run up to Christmas.

Plan in advance and be flexible

Now is the time to start thinking about your proposed Christmas arrangements. Planning ahead gives the other parent time to consider and respond to your proposals — which increases the chances of a mutual decision.

Open lines of communication are essential when working with the other parent to organise Christmas. Discussions in person are often more successful where possible but if you are communicating in writing think carefully about how your email or message will be interpreted by the other parent. It’s also important to be flexible where possible as this can prevent conflict. 

Deciding on a schedule that works for your family

Generally, it will be in your child’s best interests to spend time with both parents over the festivities, but difficulties often arise in working out the detail. There is no preferred or correct approach. 

There are some cases where the family is able to celebrate Christmas together, but this tends to be the exception rather than the norm. Some families prefer an arrangement which sees the children spending time with both parents on Christmas day, while others opt for Christmas day with one parent and Boxing Day with the other parent. 

Consult older children and consider traditions

Older children will often have their own views about where they wish to spend their time and if it's appropriate, involve them in the discussions and take into account their wishes and feelings.

Christmas is a really special time for children as well as both parents. Consider Christmas traditions which are likely to hold special memories for your children (and potentially the other parent). Try to continue those traditions where you are able to. 

What are your options if you can’t reach an agreement?

If you can’t come to an agreement at first, keep trying. If needed, try and take a step back and consider what would be best for your children in the circumstances. Co-parenting comes with challenges and it’s easy to become entrenched in your view of what is ‘right’. 

Non-court dispute resolution options for Christmas child contact arrangements

If you’re still struggling to reach an agreement about the arrangements for your children at Christmas and think that a formal agreement would help, please get in touch and our family team can assist you. We're Resolution-accredited, which means that we promote a child-first, non-confrontational approach. 

There are a number of options available to resolve any dispute without turning to court proceedings. We have a full range of alternative dispute resolution options for our client’s including solicitor led negotiations, mediation, and arbitration. 

Talk to us by giving us a call, sending us an email or completing our contact form below.