The holidays are an important time when families come together to celebrate. From stringing up Christmas lights to challenging relatives in Monopoly, the holidays are a time of fun and joy. But for divorced or separated parents, the holiday season can be difficult. That’s where having a parenting plan comes in. Miami family law lawyers can help create a parenting plan that can ensure both parents have time with their child and can use the holidays as a time to bond. 


Firstly, a parenting plan is a type of agreement that discusses how parents will divide their parenting duties when they have joint custody of a child. It should outline each parent’s rights and duties, including lands of contact, visitation rights, and other matters such as child support plans. 


When it comes to parenting plans, the holiday season offers unique challenges. The plan should be upfront and specific about how the parents will split parenting duties so that there are no surprises. For example, a plan should address which parent will pick the child up from school for holiday break, which parent will be responsible for the child the holiday weekend, and how the child will be transported between parents’ homes. 


Parents can communicate the specifics of their parenting plan to their child, giving them the opportunity to plan and prepare. Additionally, any family rules or guidelines should be included in the parenting plan, such as communication guidelines and curfews. Having these rules established ahead of time will help to calm any tensions that may arise from celebrating twice with two different sets of families. 


It’s especially helpful for the parent planning holiday engagements to include their co-parent in their holiday preparations. This will enable the co-parent to plan accordingly in their own home. Furthermore, parents should get creative with their plan in order to accommodate everyone’s needs. 


Some alternative arrangements parents can implement include spending three or four days together as a family for the holidays. Parents can alternate spending weeks at each family’s home during the holiday period as well. In some cases, it might even be possible to arrange an extended family holiday vacation if parents are able to work together. 


Regardless of which arrangement is adopted, it’s important that parents plan in advance in order to make the holidays as devoid of drama as possible. Factors such as transportation, cost sharing, and who will be responsible for parenting should be settled well in advance. By creating a plan, parents can go into the holiday season knowing that their family’s needs are taken care of.


Consulting Miami family law lawyers can help parents iron out the details and establish an effective parenting plan. Working together to establish a successful plan, parents are able to make the most of—not dread—the holiday season.



If you have concerns about your parenting plan, the experienced Miami family law attorneys at Rafool, PLLC, can help. Call us at (305) 567-9400 or contact our Miami office online to schedule a consultation.