Farhan Hassan | February 1, 2018 
Many divorced/separated parents want to make sure that they are both given the opportunity to spend holidays with their children. This is called a Holiday Parenting Time Schedule and it should be included in your Order and, if it is not, you can request that the Court establish such a schedule or attempt to reach an agreed-upon schedule with the other parent.
Below are three (3) tips to keep in mind when creating your Holiday Parenting Time Schedule:
- Be Specific
It is very important to be specific when creating your holiday parenting time schedule. You should include specific dates, specific start times, and specific end times. This will help prevent future conflict that may arise if both parents interpret the schedule differently.
Below is an example of a non-specific schedule for Christmas Eve:
|
Holiday |
Even Years |
Odd Years |
|
Christmas Eve |
Mom |
Dad |
As you can see, there are many areas left up for interpretation, especially when you consider the below specific Christmas Eve schedule:
|
Holiday |
Even Years |
Odd Years |
|
Christmas Eve: Beginning 12/24 at 9:00 a.m. and ending on 12/25 at 9:00 a.m. |
Mom |
Dad |
- Be Fair
You should also be fair when creating a holiday schedule, while also taking into account your specific situation. In most co-parenting relationships, it is fair to alternate all holidays. There are a few exceptions, such as: Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Birthday, Mother’s Birthday. For obvious reasons, these holidays are typically awarded to one party every year.
Fairness in the holiday parenting time schedule can be very beneficial to a co-parenting relationship and to the children’s best interests. Keep in mind, this is how a Judge will analyze a holiday schedule in the event either party brings a Motion to establish a holiday schedule or to modify the existing schedule.
- Be Practical
Don’t forget about the practical considerations that must be taken into account. If you and the other parent live a significant distance from one another, it probably does not make sense to divide the day of a holiday. This will result in a lot of car time, and little quality holiday time with your child.
If you have any questions about creating a holiday schedule, please call me today at 952-800-2025 or reach out via our online contact form to set up your free consultation.
