When Santa has to visit two houses at Christmas 

The Christmas period can be a challenging time for separated families, particularly when it comes to agreeing arrangements for children. Christmas is a time that is often seen as a time for family gatherings and traditions, it can however feel very strange when parents do not live together. Both parents want to be able to spend quality time with the children at Christmas and make sure it is a special time for them. Children also want to be able to see both parents and open presents with them. 

Although you may not be able to get any Court orders in time for Christmas this year, Hopkins Solicitors can still help you with agreeing arrangements for your children with your former partner. It is always better to agree arrangements amicably wherever possible. Here at Hopkins Solicitors, we can help with this by putting proposals forward to your former partner and advise you in relation to any proposals they put forward. 

The most important consideration at this time of year is what arrangements are in the children’s best interests. The law does not favour one parent over another. The Court would expect children to be able to spend time with both parents during the Christmas period unless there are safety or welfare concerns. It is important to have this in your mind when thinking about what you would like to propose. Depending upon your child’s age, it is also a good idea to consider what they would want to happen at Christmas. 

Ideally, arrangements should be split equally between the parents or alternated each year to allow the children to have quality time with both sides of their family. We however appreciate that this may not be practical depending on how far apart the parents live from each other, or what their family circumstances are. 

At Hopkins Solicitors we are here to talk things through with you and advise you on the right course of action for you and your children to ensure you have the Christmas that you all deserve.

For further information, please contact our friendly team of solicitors on 01623 665050.