The holiday season can be emotionally taxing, particularly for parents who share custody. With a holiday Parenting Plan, you can be in front of any scheduling conflicts. By partnering with an experienced Washington State Parenting Plans lawyer, you and your former spouse can develop and follow a holiday schedule Parenting Plan that works well for both parents and your child.
At Divorce Lawyers for Men, we understand Parenting Plan holiday schedule issues. Our attorney can discuss Parenting Plan holidays and provide tips and recommendations on how to deal with any holiday scheduling challenges. For more information, please get in touch with us.
Does Washington require a holiday schedule for Parenting Plans?
A Parenting Plan in Washington State typically includes a holiday schedule. Your Washington State Parenting Plan standard holiday visitation schedule should give you and your former spouse approximately equal time with your child. If either parent violates the Parenting Plan schedule during the holidays, they can face legal ramifications.
Divorce Lawyers for Men wants you and your family to enjoy a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season. If you are struggling with a former spouse who chooses not to follow your Parenting Plan, contact us; we can help. In the meantime, we offer the following tips to help you and your ex-spouse create and follow a holiday Parenting Plan that ensures your son or daughter can enjoy fun holiday celebrations with both of their parents.
1. Make your plan as specific as possible
Do not leave any room for “gray” areas in your holiday plan. Define all of the terms and conditions associated with your plan. Partner with a Washington State Parenting Plans attorney who can advocate for you and help you establish a plan that meets your expectations.
2. Use a template
Consider a holiday custody template if you and your former partner cannot agree on a holiday schedule. A template allows you to create a holiday custody schedule that satisfies all involved. Plus, your template can help you find ways to make sure your child can enjoy the holiday season to the fullest extent.
3. Communicate and collaborate with your former spouse
Keep the lines of communication open throughout the holiday season. If you are running late for a pickup or dropoff of your child or dealing with any other holiday-related delays, notify your former spouse as soon as possible. Also, be flexible if your ex-spouse is running late — and remember that you can work with a Parenting Plans lawyer in Washington State to try to reclaim time with your child if your former partner violates the holiday schedule.
4. Resist the urge to assign blame to your ex-spouse
Keep your child’s best interests front and center, regardless of what happens between you and your former spouse. Ultimately, co-parenting during the holidays can be challenging. If you believe your ex-spouse is trying to keep your child away from you during the holiday season, discuss your concerns with a Parenting Plans lawyer.
5. Maintain a positive attitude
Rather than try to “out Santa” the other parent, work with them to ensure your child enjoys a holiday season they will not forget any time soon. When interacting with your former spouse, try to keep your conversations friendly. This increases the likelihood that your son or daughter will have a lifetime of positive memories of the holiday season.
6. Listen to your child
Let your child share any concerns or questions about the holiday custody plan. Listen to what your son or daughter says and respond to them accordingly. Instead of sharing your frustrations about the plan with your child, focus on the positives and ensure your son or daughter understands they have two parents who love them.
7. Control what you can control
Make your child’s holiday time with you as fun as you can. The holidays are short, and you cannot control how your former spouse will react to you and the time you get with your child. No matter what your ex-spouse does, focus on making the most of your time with your son or daughter and encourage your former partner to do the same.
8. Do not hold a grudge
Remember that you cannot change the past if your former spouse does not stick to your holiday schedule custody plan. Continue to focus on your child and make sure that they enjoy any time they have with you. After the holidays, set up a date and time to share your concerns with a Parenting Plans lawyer, and you can adjust the holiday schedule moving forward.
Partner with a Parenting Plans lawyer in Washington State
The Divorce Lawyers for Men team wants your holiday season unforgettable for all the right reasons. Our attorney can provide resources to help you craft and maintain a holiday custody schedule. To learn more or schedule a consultation, please contact us online at (360) 866-7393.
