How to Agree on Christmas Contact Arrangements
This article, all about “How to agree on Christmas contact arrangements,” was written by Nichola Bright from Myerson Solicitors.
With Christmas approaching, you might be worried about sorting out the arrangements for the festive period and the time that your children will spend with you if you are separated or divorced.
It is important that children can have a meaningful relationship with both parents and it is always best for your children if you can reach an agreement about Christmas plans together.
If you are unable to reach an agreement about the time the children spend with you at Christmas, you could consider attending mediation. Mediation is where an independent, professionally trained mediator helps you and the other parent agree on child contact arrangements. We have good relationships with accredited mediators who we can put you in touch with to provide you with the right information and support.
Tips for Making Christmas Arrangements
We have included below some tips to consider when making plans for Christmas arrangements with the other parent:
- Discuss Christmas arrangements as early as possible, so you can make plans for the festive period;
- Be flexible and consider if any of the usual arrangements will need to be varied over the Christmas period
- Give each other reasonable notice of any plans or issues;
- Try to listen to each other’s opinions and ideas;
- Think about your plans from the perspective of the children;
- void arguments or heated discussions in front of the children.
Who can help?
If you are unable to reach an agreement between yourselves or at mediation, you can instruct a solicitor to help you. A solicitor could put some proposals in writing, which may assist you in reaching an agreement. Court applications are always the last resort but sometimes, cannot be avoided.
The family team at Myerson LLP are accredited members of Resolution. We are committed to promoting a constructive approach to family issues that considers the needs of the whole family.
If you require advice, you can contact one of our family law solicitors on 0161 941 4000 or email us at [email protected]
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Nichola is a Senior Associate within the Family Law Team at Myerson Solicitors. Nichola advises on a wide range of family matters including divorce and high net-worth financial settlements, separation, co-habitation, pre-nuptial agreements, complex disputes regarding children, fertility law and surrogacy law. Nichola has been named within the Legal 500 as a ‘Rising Star’ and has been described as having ‘good attention to detail whilst not losing sight of the bigger picture. She gives robust advice but always maintains good relationships with her clients.