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The answer to the question is that there is no right or wrong way to split custody. Deciding how best to split custody during the holidays can be difficult, but remember that your child’s best interests are what matters most.
Take a look at some of the options for splitting custody for the upcoming holiday season.
Alternating Holidays
One of the most common ways to divide holiday custody is to agree on alternating holidays. For example, you might get the kids for Thanksgiving and their birthday on even years, while your co-parent has them for Christmas and New Year’s. Then switch on odd years. This method allows each parent to have their children for the major holidays every year.
Fixed Holidays
Another option that works well for parents who prioritize different holidays is to assign them. If one parent is Jewish and the other is Christian, it would make sense for the kids to permanently celebrate Hannukkah with the Jewish parent and Christmas with the Christian parent. An option that works well when parents prioritize different holidays is to assign fixed holidays. There are some years that the holidays will intersect, which is something to keep in mind and discuss.
Split Holidays
Parents may want to consider splitting up their time, so each child gets to be with both parents every holiday. This typically only works well when everyone is in close proximity. If the homes are too far apart, traveling time can disrupt actual time celebrating the holiday.
For example, parents might divide Hanukkah so that each parent gets four days. One parent might take Christmas Eve and the other Christmas Day. For Thanksgiving, one parent might take the Thursday and following Friday while the other parent takes the weekend.
At Knies, Helland & McPherson, our attorneys are here to help you. We will help you create a custody arrangement that works with your schedule and is in your child’s best interests.
Schedule a consultation with our Colorado Springs lawyers today by calling us at (719) 626-8530.