There are certain times throughout the year when parents may wish to change the usual arrangements for their children. Most separated parents will agree that Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day are ‘special days’ that should be dealt with differently to other days during the year.

Dividing your child's time

It's up to the individual parents how they would like to divide Christmas so that they can both spend time with their children. Particularly when children are younger. Most parents would like their child to stay overnight on Christmas Eve, so they get to see them wake up Christmas Day and open their presents. It's common to alternate who the children spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with each year. That way, both parents get to experience this time with their children. It's also common for Christmas Day to be split, so that children spend the morning with one parent and the afternoon with the other.

Whatever you decide to do, it's best to try and agree arrangements between yourselves so that you can make sure everyone is happy with the arrangements. You should try and discuss occasions such as Christmas in plenty of time and early on after separation. It's good to have a clear plan in place and then follow it for subsequent years.

We understand that the thought of not spending Christmas with your children is difficult. However, it's important to put them first and accept that they'll want to spend time with both parents and often extended family. Your children may even see it as an 'added bonus' that they'll have two Christmases to celebrate separately. If the children are not able to see both of their parents on Christmas Day, it's a good idea to arrange a video or telephone call with the other parent, even if this isn't something you would usually do.

Struggling to agree on arrangements?

If you cannot agree the arrangements directly, Family Mediation may be an option to try and resolve this issue, particularly if the issue is limited to arrangements for special occasions.

If you simply cannot reach an agreement, it would be best to instruct a solicitor. They can application to the Court for a Child Arrangements Order. It's good practice for a Child Arrangements Order to include any change to the usual arrangements for times such as special occasions and school holidays. As well as Christmas, this could include birthdays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and any other holidays.

We can help

If you're struggling to agreement on arrangements for your children, you can contact our Family Solicitors in Rochdale who will be happy to help.