The holiday season is a time to celebrate, but it can also bring challenges for separated and divorced families. Disputes over your children’s holiday custody schedules can distract from the joy of the season for all of you, as well as impact your children’s well-being.

Your circumstances are constantly changing, and major changes like a divorce or relocation can have a big impact on your custody arrangement. For parents in Missouri, these shifts might mean revisiting and adjusting your custody plan to better fit into your lives. 

With the holiday season here, it’s especially important to ensure your custody schedule accommodates your family’s current needs. Whether you’re navigating this transition for the first time or adjusting an existing plan, having a clear holiday custody arrangement can help your family enjoy the holiday season.

Why Holiday Custody Schedules Are Essential

Regular custody arrangements provide you with your foundation for co-parenting. The holidays, however, often require special considerations like school breaks, family traditions and plans with extended family and friends. Creating a custody schedule specific to the holiday season helps avoid last-minute disagreements and ensures a smooth season for your children.

Because children can be sensitive to tension around the holidays, having a well-thought-out plan can give them stability and allow them to enjoy the season without any additional stress. Our goal at Rogers Sevastianos & Bante, LLP is to prioritize their happiness while still ensuring fairness for both parents.

What to Consider When Creating Your Holiday Schedule

Flexibility and Fairness

A successful holiday custody plan should be fair and focused on keeping your children happy. There are two popular options for splitting holidays. Many parents alternate holidays—for example, one parent has Thanksgiving this year, and the other will have Christmas. Next year, they would swap holidays to be able to enjoy both major holidays with their children.

Another way families do this is by splitting the days. So if one parent has Christmas morning, the other would have the evening, allowing both parents to spend time with their children on big days like these.

Prioritizing Your Children’s Needs

Children depend on some level of consistency and stability, so it is important to consider their routines, traditions and preferences when planning your holiday custody arrangement.

Resolving Holiday Custody Disputes

Even when you have the best intentions, disagreements can pop up. Here are a few recommendations for how to handle them:

Communication and Mediation

Talk about holiday plans early and openly, and always focus on what is best for your children. If you cannot come to an agreement, working with a neutral mediator can help facilitate positive, productive discussions and find the best solution for everyone.

Court Intervention

When mediation isn’t enough, court intervention may be necessary. Missouri courts will prioritize the best interests of the children—our experienced attorneys can represent you in court to ensure your perspective is heard and your rights are protected.

How Rogers Sevastianos and Bante, LLP Can Help

At Rogers Sevastianos & Bante, LLP, we understand the complexities of holiday custody arrangements. Whether you need to create a new schedule, modify an existing one, or enforce an agreement, our team is here to guide you through the process. We’ve successfully helped many families navigate custody challenges, allowing them to focus on what truly matters: creating holiday memories with their children.

By planning your holiday custody arrangements early and finding the right support, you can ensure a smooth and happy season for your family. Contact Rogers Sevastianos & Bante, LLP today to discuss your custody needs and learn how we can help navigate your new normal with compassion and care.