Co-Parenting During The Holidays: Top Tips For Parents In McMinn County, Tennessee

In this article, you’ll discover:

• How to create a well-crafted parenting plan that works for both parents.
• How to arrange holiday travel for your children.
• How an attorney can help write a co-parenting agreement.

How Can I Create A Holiday Schedule That Is Fair And Works For Both Of Us?

An effective parenting plan must be detailed from the start. When building a parenting plan, include a holiday schedule. With holidays, the plan should be flexible. Remember, your children’s best interests are paramount; your feelings are secondary. While that consideration also risks hurting the feelings of the extended family, the children should still be the focus.

Another essential consideration in a parenting plan is communication. Even though your marriage has ended, you still need to have a line of communication, whether that be through an app like OurFamilyWizard or direct communication with your former spouse.

It’s never too early to start planning your holiday schedule. Don’t wait until the last minute. If you are making holiday plans, give your ex plenty of notice because they may also be planning something. Proper communication ensures nobody’s plans will be ruined in the long run.

Ultimately, you need to compromise and be flexible. Your child may have certain traditions with your ex that are important to them. When it comes to the holidays, consider your child’s best interest. Create new traditions during your time with your child. That’s another way to be successful.

What Are The Best Practices For Children’s Travel Arrangements During Holidays?

Each divorce and parenting plan is different. Your parenting plan should detail:

• Whether you have a right to travel with your children
• Where you’re permitted to go
• If you can negotiate adjusted timing because, over the holidays, travel can be delayed

These issues go back to effective communication. Be completely upfront with your former spouse.

Some parenting plans require advanced notice regarding a trip, especially if you’re going out of state. Ensure you are within the timeframe to notify the other parent that you’re traveling. Some parenting plans also require consent for travel. Plan early, communicate, and know whether the rules permit in-state, out-of-state or international travel.

Attorney Robert Maines is a seasoned lawyer based in Sweetwater, TN, who helps clients just like you navigate the intricacies of family and estate planning law. He has the knowledge and experience to help you with solutions to your family and estate planning issues, giving you peace of mind that your family is well protected.

Still have questions? Ready to get started? Contact Maines Legal today at (423) 456-4778 to schedule an initial consultation.

A best practice is to notify the other parent of travel plans in writing, even if the relationship is amicable. If there’s any misunderstanding that would need a court to clarify, you have a paper trail. You can say, “This is what I provided.”

Also, keep your co-parent up-to-date with travel details: the mode of travel, the itinerary, the accommodations, a phone number, and the address you’re staying at. In the event of an emergency, your co-parent needs to know where your children are and how to reach them.

What Should We Do When We’re Unable To Agree On Holiday Plans?

Your parenting plan should spell out the timeframe of when you get to spend time with the children. If all else fails, your attorney should make a motion to return to court to uphold your timeframe and holiday plan.

Provide that information early. If a conflict arises, it can be handled before the opportunity to spend vacation time with your children is missed.

How Can An Experienced Attorney In Tennessee Help Establish A Co-Parenting Agreement?

A successful plan must be thorough, thoughtful and detailed. It should contemplate every scenario that comes to mind. Sometimes, changing a parenting plan is challenging unless there is a significant change in circumstances.

A detailed plan has clear guidelines, establishes expectations and reduces misunderstandings. A parenting plan must include the individual responsibilities of each parent, outline custody arrangements, clarify who pays for child support, and who covers medical expenses.

The co-parenting schedule should include:

• Holidays and vacations
• Children’s extracurricular activities
• Special events
• Extended family visitations
• Who’s responsible for transportation for these events

Attorney Robert Maines is a seasoned lawyer based in Sweetwater, TN, who helps clients just like you navigate the intricacies of family and estate planning law. He has the knowledge and experience to help you with solutions to your family and estate planning issues, giving you peace of mind that your family is well protected.

Still have questions? Ready to get started? Contact Maines Legal today at (423) 456-4778 to schedule an initial consultation.

Other issues to address:

• If one parent has to relocate, how will this be handled?
• What happens when a parent loses a job or becomes disabled?
• What happens when a parent embarks on a new romantic relationship?
• If there are disagreements, how are these to be resolved?
• What method is in place for modifying the plan?

A good parenting plan centers around communication. Are you communicating directly? Are you communicating through an app? Are you communicating through a neutral third party? Make sure you both have the means to communicate effectively and quickly as plans charge or situations arise.

Allow yourself enough flexibility to adapt to unforeseen issues, emergencies, and scheduling conflicts and have a plan in place to resolve those problems with minimal stress to you, the other party, and your child. If you craft the parenting plan correctly, most of these issues will be resolved according to the plan.

How Can I Put Differences Aside During The Holidays For My Children’s Sake?

Stay positive, remain flexible, and try to create new traditions with your children. The biggest thing to keep in mind is to try not to compete with your former spouse.

Don’t compete with the other parent over how big the toys are, where you’re going for vacation, or anything of that nature. Holidays should be about your relationship with your children, their enjoyment, and building new memories together, not competing with the other parent. When you focus on your children, you’ll keep the focus warm, grounded, and more enjoyable for everyone.

Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?

For more information on Co-Parenting During The Holidays, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (423) 456-4778 today.