Key Takeaways

Parenting time disputes can arise at any time. However, they can be particularly contentious throughout the holiday season. While both parents want to create memories with their child during this special time of year, coordinating schedules can become more challenging due to school breaks, traveling, heightened emotions, and family festivities. The following are some tips to keep in mind that can help minimize Michigan parenting time disputes around the holidays:

Create a Detailed Holiday Parenting Time Schedule

The best way to avoid holiday parenting time conflicts is to create a detailed parenting plan. While schedule disruptions are unavoidable during the holidays, a detailed parenting time schedule can address these issues in advance to avoid the potential for conflict. A holiday parenting schedule should include provisions for:

• Where the child will spend each holiday: Parents might consider fixed holidays, alternating the holidays each year, or splitting the day if they live close enough to each other.
• Travel and transportation: The parenting plan should specify the logistics of travel for each holiday, including who will be picking up and dropping off the child.
• A right of first refusal: If one parent has to forgo their parenting time due to an unexpected event, a right of first refusal clause can specify that the other parent gets the first opportunity to look after the child before contacting a family member or babysitter. This can be particularly important during the holiday season because it ensures that the child and parent will not miss any special moments or celebrations.
• Methods of communication for any changes: Specifying a method of communicating changes in the parenting time schedule can help reduce misunderstandings during what may already be a stressful season. If parents are contentious, using a co-parenting app can be helpful to ensure both parents are on the same page while eliminating the need to communicate directly.

By taking proactive measures and outlining the specifics of the holiday parenting time arrangement, parents can minimize the risk of miscommunication and the likelihood of disagreements.

Plan Early

Don’t wait until the last minute to plan for holiday parenting time. If your parenting plan doesn’t include a provision for how the holidays will be split, it’s best to discuss the arrangements with your co-parent several months in advance. This can give you the opportunity to resolve any disputes before the holiday season begins.

Focus on the Best Interests of Your Child

While both parents will understandably want to spend the most time possible with their child around the holidays, it’s essential to put their best interests first and foremost. Listen to your child’s wishes and involve them in the holiday planning process. If extended family will be in town on a day you have parenting time, it may be best to give your child the opportunity to spend quality time with them, even if it means relinquishing your parenting time. You should also consider your child’s age and developmental needs. For a younger child, it may be best to avoid long periods of separation from their primary parent during the holiday season.

Be Flexible and Willing to Compromise

Even when you have a solid parenting plan in place that addresses how the holidays will be spent, illness, snowstorms, and delayed flights can disrupt the schedule. In such cases, both parents need to be flexible and willing to compromise. It’s important to extend the same courtesy to your co-parent that you would expect to help avoid conflict and promote the best interests of your child.

Create New Traditions

After a divorce or separation, many things change. You might find yourself reminiscing about past holiday traditions and be frustrated about making them work. If there are traditions that your child enjoys, find a way to maintain them even if your family structure is now different. You can also create new traditions with your child. Whether it’s a holiday movie night or making new desserts, embrace this next chapter by making new, meaningful memories.

Consider Mediation to Resolve Disputes

If you and your co-parent are unable to resolve your holiday parenting time dispute, you might consider mediation. When you use mediation, a neutral third party can assist with facilitating healthy communication and guide parents toward an amicable resolution. Unlike in litigation where a judge decides the outcome, mediation allows parents to remain in control of their case and find creative solutions that might not be available in the courtroom.

Contact an Experienced Michigan Parenting Time Attorney

If you are facing a Michigan parenting time dispute, it’s crucial to have a skillful family law attorney by your side who can protect your rights and ensure the best interests of your child are met. Based in Howell, Michigan, Bergmans Law P.C. handles a broad scope of family law matters throughout Livingston, Genesee, Ingham, and Washtenaw Counties and surrounding areas. Providing personalized time and attention to every client, Henry Bergmans is committed to helping them resolve their Michigan parenting time disputes respectfully and peacefully. Please reach out to learn more about the firm’s family law services through the online contact form or by calling 810-360-0090.