Joint Custody & Holidays: What You Should Know

Tomorrow is the Fourth of July, and we’re sure you’re excited about the hot dogs, hamburgers, and red-white-and-blue everything. If your child is with your ex instead of you this Fourth of July, then we understand how that could be emotionally frustrating and difficult.

In today’s post, we’re going to discuss joint custody and the holidays in honor of tomorrow’s holiday. If you’re interested in modifying your joint custody agreement and have a valid reason to do so, then The Law Office of Ronald Kossack is here for you. We handle family law for clients throughout Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa, and Tempe — and we can help you.

Read our post below to learn how to plan for the holidays and make it work with joint custody, and contact our family law firm in Tempe today if you need help with family law.

Refer To Your Parenting Plan

When you divorced or were legally separated, you made a parenting plan. Now is the time to stick to the plan!

You most likely covered holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Easter in the plan, but a holiday like the Fourth of July may not have been discussed. If that’s the case, then you should still do whatever the parenting plan says. For example, Independence Day falls on a Thursday this year. Whichever parent or guardian would typically have the child on that day should have them.

Communicate Effectively

Now, let’s say you’re having a large event with extended family this Fourth of July. It’s understandable that you would want your child there — but it’s your ex-partner’s day with them.

One option you have is to discuss options and communicate effectively and openly with your ex. Perhaps they’d be willing to switch a day or another holiday with you in order for your child to be at the party.

It’s vital that you express your goals and wishes clearly and confidently. There’s no need to make up excuses and damage any further trust — we recommend being completely transparent with this aspect of family law. This will give you the best chance of your ex saying yes, it will show your child healthy communication and cooperation, and you’ll foster understanding and trust for the future of your parenting plan.

Stick To The Plan

Let’s say your ex said no and you don’t get to have your child for the Fourth of July shindig — stick to the plan.

Let’s say your ex said yes — stick to the plan!

No matter what, it’s essential you follow through on what you said you would do, whether or not it goes the way you would hope. This will also ensure consistency for your child.

Get Help With Family Law In Tempe Today

There are a few aspects of family law we discussed in today’s post: modification, parenting plans, and joint custody agreements. If you need help moving forward with your parenting plan or coming up with a better joint custody agreement through modification, then The Law Office of Ronald Kossack can help. Contact us today for a free initial consultation in Tempe.

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