Every parent wants to spend the holidays with their children, but divorce often makes this stressful season even more complicated. Fortunately, having an experienced divorce attorney by your side as you work out a visitation schedule before dissolving the marriage can minimize friction and help the kids enjoy their holidays. Here's a closer look at how to approach the situation in the best interests of everyone involved.

How to Manage the Schedule

Some parents choose to trade holidays every year, so children might celebrate with one family in even-numbered years and the other in odd years. Unfortunately, this can mean spending the holidays away from your kids every other year.

If this seems like too much, you might decide to split each holiday. For instance, some families choose to have the children spend Christmas Eve with one parent, then Christmas Day with the other. Whatever arrangement you settle on, be sure that your divorce attorney includes it in the final custody agreement.

How to Put Your Children First

No matter how much you want to spend the holidays with your kids, try to put their experience ahead of your own wishes. This might involve making sacrifices, such as allowing them to go on holiday trips with the other parent’s family and build happy memories that will last a lifetime. 

However, try to keep your sadness and disappointment away from your children. Otherwise, they might feel conflicted and guilty about enjoying time with the other parent. It’s also important not to get into a competition over which parent can provide the most exciting holiday.

Additionally, try not to overemphasize the exact dates of the holidays. Your kids will probably be happy to celebrate with you a few days earlier or later. Instead of focusing on the time you’re missing, concentrate on the experiences you get to share with your kids.

If your marriage is coming to an end, let the legal team at Bray & Johnson represent your rights and help you make the best decisions possible. Their divorce attorneys have been serving North Georgia families for over 45 years, offering sound legal advice and helping clients find peaceful resolutions. Visit their website for more on their family law services, follow their Facebook for tips and advice, or call (770) 479-1426 to speak with a divorce attorney today.