Divorced parents in Massachusetts may have drafted parenting plans dictating how time is to be shared with their children during the holidays. However, it is inevitable that circumstances will change over time. Parents may become involved in new relationships or even remarry. There may be more children born, or stepchildren may come with a second marriage. These and many other aspects may make modifications to the existing parenting and visitation plan necessary.
As they are for most adults, the holidays are very special for children, and, when there are disputes about with whom and where the children will spend the holidays, it can put a severe damper on the festivities. Some couples find it impossible to communicate and opt for costly and time-consuming litigation. They may find that consulting with their family law representatives may offer alternative ways to address issues.
An experienced child custody attorney will be able to facilitate mediation between the parents. The input and advice of an objective third party often helps parents to resolve parenting and visitation issues, while avoiding having children negatively affected by a conflict between parents. The alternative is to leave such decisions to a judge who has no insight into the intricacies of the lives of the two families.
A family law mediator who is familiar with a former couple’s unique circumstances can often guide them through modifying a parenting and visitation plan to accommodate the changed dynamics of the two families. Parents may be able to ensure happy holiday memories for their children through communication and compromise. Our Massachusetts family law website will provide more information on remedies for disputes concerning parenting and visitation plans.
Source: eastsidereviewnews.com, “It’s in your court: don’t be a Grinch“, Judge Steve Halsey, Dec. 11, 2014