Financial & Legal News

A Worry for Divorcing Parents at Christmas

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Christmas is a time for family, but when yours is splitting apart it can also be a terrible time but with some organisation and planning it can still be a special time for everyone.

Children are at the heart of the festive season and it’s often the time of year problems come to a head, that is why statistically January is the busiest time for divorce solicitors.  But for families already going through a break up it can be a confusing time.

The Courts are always extra busy at this time of year as separating parents rush to court to resolve arrangements for childcare and contact.  However court should be a last resort, what parents need to show is that they have tried mediation and tried to resolve issues about the arrangements for children themselves.

Wherever possible courts like to see parents working together with the child’s best interests at heart and if at all possible mediation is the path to take where there are difficulties, what can be better than sitting down together to discuss your children, after all their welfare is something you both should have in common,” said family solicitor, Lucinda McWatt.

“However all too often the children are at the centre of disputing divorcing parents and can be pulled in different directions, as a parent myself I would ask the adults in these cases to consider their children and discuss in advance what their arrangements are, often all children need is certainty, especially at Christmas time,” she added.

Family mediation is always available to parents who do not feel able to do this themselves with a trained person available to steer the difficult conversations.

So what should parents do to make Christmas a bit easier on everyone:

  • An open dialogue between the couple is always the best option, compromise counts more than ever at this time of year.
  • Speak to your solicitor if you have any questions or concerns – often they can advise you of the best way forward.
  • Share the big days if possible.  Perhaps even consider a joint gift, you are both parents – no matter if you are no longer life-partners.
  • Remember you are making memories so try to minimise conflict – at least over the festive season.
  • There will be other big events and big days to discuss over the years, don’t make every one a conflict zone.

 

For advice on family law and issues that might affect you call our family law team or just pick up the phone and chat to Lucinda McWatt.

 

 

Please note that the information and opinions contained in this article are not intended to be comprehensive, nor to provide legal advice. No responsibility for its accuracy or correctness is assumed by Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers Ltd or any of its members or employees. Professional legal advice should be obtained before taking, or refraining from taking, any action as a result of this article.

This blog was posted some time ago and its contents may now be out of date. For the latest legal position relating to these issues, get in touch with the author - or make an enquiry now.

Written by Lucinda McWatt

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