The holidays are special for families, especially if you’re divorced or separated. Spending quality time with your child during this period becomes even more significant. If you want to extend your holiday visitation rights, follow these six tips from our experienced Family Law Attorney, Michael Liss.
1. Review Your Custody Agreement
Before taking any action, carefully review your existing custody agreement or parenting plan. Understanding its terms and conditions is crucial, as it will dictate the way your dialogue with the other parent may go. If you have any doubts about your rights, call an attorney.
2. Communicate with the Other Parent
Talking openly and respectfully with the other parent is key. Approach the conversation with empathy, understanding their point of view. Share why you want more holiday time with your child and how it can be good for them. Be ready to find a middle ground and make compromises.
3. Propose a Detailed Schedule
When you ask for an extended visit, make sure you have a clear plan. Offer a detailed schedule including dates, times, and places you wish to take your child. A well-thought-out plan shows your commitment and makes it easier for the other parent to think about your request. Also, plan calls or video chats between the other parent and your child during the holiday.
Include information about when the child will go back to school and how they’ll catch up on homework and studies. This shows that missing a few school days won’t be a problem.
4. Extend a Hand of Reciprocity
Consider offering the other parent the possibility of having an extended holiday period in the future. By showing that you’re open to reciprocity, you can help foster a sense of cooperation and understanding. In other words, when both parents are willing to accommodate each other, it can go a long way in resolving disputes related to time-sharing during vacations. Remember, a spirit of give and take can make co-parenting smoother and more harmonious.
5. Be Flexible and Cooperative
Being flexible and working together can really help when dealing with requests to extend time-sharing. Try to find a middle ground and think about different ways to make both your holiday plans and the other parent’s plans work. It’s best not to get lawyers involved in every disagreement. Save that for when you absolutely can’t find a solution together. Being flexible and cooperative tends to lead to more flexibility and cooperation in return. So, give it a shot.
6. Seek Legal Assistance, Consider Mediation
If talking to the other parent is challenging, it’s a good idea to get an attorney involved. Ideally, your attorney can mediate with your partner’s attorney, and these legal professionals can help the parents talk things through. Mediation can be useful in having constructive conversations and finding a solution that works for both sides.
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Conclusion
If you’re looking to extend your holiday time-sharing, it’s crucial to think it through, talk openly, and, if needed, get legal help. Always keep your child’s best interests in mind and maintain respectful communication with the other parent.
If you’re finding this process tricky or need legal support, don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call Klein Law Group at 561.353.2800. Our experienced family law attorneys, like Michael, are here to assist you. You can set up a free consultation with us today to make sure your holiday season is enjoyable and stress-free for both you and your child. Don’t wait – reach out to us now.
