Tips For Time-Sharing On Thanksgiving
Feeling grateful on Thanksgiving can be difficult for separated parents who find themselves unable to reach an agreement on how to divide holidays with their child. Fortunately, there are ways to navigate time-sharing in a way that reduces the potential for conflict and maximizes a family’s chances of experiencing a memorable and fulfilling holiday. For help negotiating a time-sharing arrangement with your child’s other parent this holiday season, please reach out to a dedicated Fort Lauderdale child visitation and time-sharing lawyer who can walk you through your legal options.
Sharing Time on the Holiday
Navigating Thanksgiving can be complicated for divorced parents, who may find themselves resentful or even angry at a former partner. Often, families in this situation end up alternating holidays, so each parent will get to spend every other Thanksgiving with the child. This is not, however, the only option for families, who could also attempt to divide the holiday equally. This could be a good choice for parents who live near each other and who can easily transport the child to and from different residences. In these arrangements, one parent could get to spend lunchtime with the couple’s child, while the other parent gets the child at dinner, until the next year, when the schedule switches. Again, this isn’t really an option for parents who don’t live in the same area.
Celebrating the Holiday on Different Days
For young children, splitting a holiday can be exhausting. In these cases, or in situations where two parents don’t live near each other, a family may want to consider celebrating Thanksgiving on different days. This can take some extra planning for those who want to spend time with their extended families, so parents who go this route should start communicating with grandparents, siblings, and cousins as soon as possible about celebrating Thanksgiving on Friday, or even the weekend. Going this route can also help children experience and appreciate the differences in their family’s Thanksgiving traditions.
Considering a Joint Celebration
While some co-parents may not be able to imagine spending a holiday with an ex-partner, those who have relatively amicable relationships may find it easier to celebrate Thanksgiving together. Parents who choose this option should be careful to communicate with their children and ensure that such a plan is in their best interests. Whether either party is in a new relationship can also heavily influence whether everyone involved feels comfortable with a joint celebration.
Talk to an Attorney About Time-Sharing on Thanksgiving
If you and your child’s other parent have not yet decided how to spend Thanksgiving with your child, or your current parenting plan contains an arrangement that is no longer workable, don’t hesitate to call 954-945-7591 and speak with dedicated Florida child visitation and time-sharing lawyer Sandra Bonfiglio, P.A. about the type of plan that would be best for your family. A member of our legal team is standing by to start working on your case.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13.html