The ending of a marriage can be the hardest on the children. It also seems the holiday season adds even more stress to the already difficult circumstances children of divorce face. Pennsylvania parents making decisions on visitations schedules will want to consider the effects their plans have on the children.
When drawing up a custody and visitation schedule with their attorneys, parents should take into account traditions to which the children may look forward each year. While one parent chooses to continue to enjoy those special times, the other may want to start new ones to go along with their new life, post-divorce. Should the parents be of differing religious faiths, the right planning will help in finding a way to celebrate those observances.
Being as detailed as possible, especially when it comes to guidelines for the physical exchanges, can help the stress level of the children as they go from one parent to another. The success of any plan takes the cooperation of both parents and a commitment to put aside their differences and keep the children as the focus. However, it often seems things beyond the control of either adult seem to arise at the worst times, no matter how specific prearranged plans may be. The key is to be flexible and adapt to changing situations.
It is not always easy to keep wounded feelings out of a discussion on visitation schedules after a contentious divorce. For parents who have difficulty being in the same room with their ex, the assistance of a third party can be invaluable. A Pennsylvania attorney with a thorough knowledge of the laws of the state can create an agreement that will take into consideration the customs and beliefs of both parties.
Source: hometownlife.com, “Experts: Divorcing parents need to plan holiday celebrations“, Susan Peck, Dec. 3, 2017
