Most time-sharing agreements between divorced parents are permanent once decided upon. But to accommodate the holidays, modifications may be made to help each parent spend as much time as possible with the child(ren). A Gainesville family law attorney with Silverman and Mack, LLC can help you modify a time-sharing agreement that puts your child(ren)’s best interest first and also meets parents’ needs.
Ways to Lessen Stress During Holiday Time-Sharing
Though every agreement is different, there are ways you and your former spouse can reduce the stress of holiday time-sharing. If you are having difficulties organizing your family’s holiday schedule, contact the divorce lawyers Gainesville, FL, parents trust to keep their child(ren)’s best interest at the forefront of time-sharing agreements at Silverman and Mack, LLC.
Listen to Your Children
Encourage your children to share their thoughts and concerns about the holidays with you. Being honest, realistic, understanding and encouraging with them shows you have their best interest in mind.
Communicate
Communication is key during any time-sharing agreement, but it carries even more weight during the busy holiday season. Try to coordinate your holiday plans with your former spouse to make the transition as seamless as possible for your child(ren). This might mean compromising on some of your plans.
Be Open to Changes
What might have been holiday tradition for years may not be the same after a divorce. As children grow, their social functions and needs may change and require flexibility. Be open to any changes that may arise during the holidays. This also includes any personal engagements you and your former spouse might have, such as office holiday parties.
Reach Out to a Support Network
Even if it isn’t your first holiday without your child(ren) around, reaching out to a support network like friends and family can make the holidays less stressful. Ask if you can join their holiday plans. Additionally, some parents take the time to relax by themselves or even travel during the holiday season.
Common Issues with Time-Sharing During the Holidays
Though most time-sharing agreements are firm once agreed to by both parents and approved by the court, the holidays sometimes bring up unforeseen issues. Gainesville attorneys with Silverman and Mack, LLC have negotiated and litigated many time-sharing agreements and can help you avoid these common issues.
Scheduling for Family Gatherings
Holiday family gatherings usually occur around the same time each year, making plans fairly routinary. Parents are advised to take this into account when setting up time-sharing agreements. Doing so allows each parent to have an idea of how much time they will have for themselves and the child(ren) well before busy holiday season arrives.
Traveling in Inclement Weather
If you or your child(ren)’s other parent travels outside of Florida during the holidays, you may run into inclement weather, especially in northern climates. Winter and inclement weather can delay airlines and highway traffic alike, impacting the time-sharing agreement. If you run into inclement weather when traveling with your child(ren), contact your former spouse as quickly as possible. Communication will benefit everyone involved and reduce any additional stress in the situation.
Taking Vacations While Time-Sharing
Families often take advantage of time off from school or work during the holidays and go on vacation. When there is a time-sharing agreement in place, it may not be feasible under the current terms to do so with your child(ren). Qualified family lawyers in Gainesville, FL, with Silverman and Mack, LLC can help you achieve a modification of the current time-sharing agreement between you, your former spouse, and the court.
Gainesville, FL, Family Law Attorneys Can Help With Holiday Time Sharing
Time-sharing agreements during the holidays don't have to be stressful. Yet, if the holiday season presents issues to the accord between you and your former spouse, contact a divorce attorney Gainesville, FL, residents trust. Silverman and Mack, LLC will file a time-sharing modification petition in a timely fashion, supporting it with compelling and favorable evidence. Contact us today for help with a time-sharing agreement.
