Contact arrangements for children over the Christmas period

For separated families with children, it can be difficult for parents to reach agreement in respect of contact arrangements over the festive period.

It is important in the run up to the celebrations that you as parents do not lose touch of what is important. Any arrangements made should have the welfare of your child as a paramount consideration and you should always put your child’s needs before your own.

Christmas contact is an extremely sensitive and emotive subject as both parents would of course like to spend this special time with their child/children. However, it is inevitable that you will need to accept that the time will have to be shared, with the child spending Christmas morning and perhaps even the entire day with one parent.

There are however, several arrangements that can be made to ensure that your child spends quality time with both families. Consideration could be given to the child spending Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with the one parent, with the other collecting them on Christmas Day evening or even Boxing Day morning and there being somewhat of a second Christmas Day celebrated during that time. This can then be alternated on an annual basis so that each parent has the opportunity of spending time with their child on Christmas Day itself.

If you have not already done so, you should contact your ex partner with a view of agreeing Christmas arrangements without delay. If an agreement cannot be reached, you should seek immediate legal advice with a view to a letter being sent to your ex partner in an attempt to resolve matters.

If you would like further advice on this matter, please contact our Family and Matrimonial Solicitor on (01267) 237441, who will be pleased to help you.