Michigan Holiday Parenting Time Schedule: A Guide for Co-Parents

The holiday season is a joyous event that brings joy and warmth to families. But for co-parents navigating a custody agreement, it also brings stress and conflict, especially during a child custody dispute.

Are you co-parenting in Michigan? Understanding and managing your Michigan holiday parenting time schedule will help you keep the peace and maintain a happy season for everyone, especially your kids. In this blog, we will break down what you need to know, provide some tips, and explain when to contact a custody lawyer to sort things out.

At LaBre Law Office, excellence is our standard. Our Michigan family law attorneys are here to help you navigate the complexities of custody arrangements without the added headaches.

Understanding Michigan Holiday Parenting Time Schedules

Holiday parenting time schedules in Michigan are typically laid out in child custody agreements. In cases of joint custody, both parents share parenting time and must coordinate holiday schedules to ensure each parent has quality time with their children. Co-parents often alternate key holidays or split the time in a way that works for both parties. But that doesn’t mean they’re always straightforward.

Standard Holiday Parenting Time Arrangements

A standard holiday parenting time schedule might look like this:

• Thanksgiving: The custodial parent has the child for Thanksgiving in even-numbered years, and the other parent has the child in odd-numbered years.
• Christmas Break: Divided into two halves, with one parent getting the first half (including Christmas Eve) and the other getting the second half (including Christmas Day).
• New Year’s Eve and Day: These are sometimes alternated yearly, similar to Thanksgiving.
• Spring Break or Winter Break: These might also be alternated or shared, depending on the agreement.

While these are common patterns, holiday schedules may vary based on the physical custody agreement or any modifications made by the Michigan court.

When Things Aren’t Clear

A custody agreement that does not specify a holiday parenting time schedule can lead to disagreements. When conflicts arise, don’t hesitate to reach out to child custody lawyers to help mediate or revisit your arrangement in court.

Tips for Smooth Co-Parenting During the Holidays

Let’s face it: emotions can run high during the holidays, even with a clear plan in place. Here are tips on how to minimize conflict and keep things running smoothly:

1. Plan Early

The earlier you and your co-parent finalize the holiday schedule, the less room there is for last-minute disputes. Start discussing the schedule a month or two in advance.

2. Be Flexible

While it’s important to stick to the agreement, life happens. If your co-parent needs to adjust due to work, illness, or travel, try to accommodate them—within reason. A little flexibility can go a long way in maintaining a positive co-parenting relationship.

3. Keep Communication Civil

Set boundaries for how you’ll communicate about holiday plans. Use email or co-parenting apps if face-to-face conversations tend to escalate. Always keep the focus on what’s best for the kids.

4. Stick to the Agreement

If you’ve agreed—or a court has ruled—on a specific holiday schedule, follow it. Going rogue can result in legal consequences and unnecessary stress for everyone involved.

5. Prioritize the Kids

Above all, remember that the holidays should be about your children. Their happiness, stability, and sense of security should guide every decision you make.

BONUS TIP: Always remember that a continuing parent-child relationship is vital for the child’s emotional well-being during the holidays.

When to Call a Michigan Child Custody Lawyer

Even with the best intentions, disputes can happen. Are you in a situation where communication breaks down, or your co-parent repeatedly violates the agreement? It might be time to consult a child custody lawyer. Below are common reasons to seek legal help:

• The other parent refuses to follow the agreed schedule.
• The current arrangement is outdated or no longer works for the family.
• There are concerns about the child’s safety during the holidays.

A Michigan family law attorney will help you understand your rights and fight to ensure your parenting time is respected.

Modifying Holiday Parenting Time Schedules

You can request a modification if you feel like your current holiday parenting time schedule isn’t working. To do this, you must demonstrate to the court that the change is in the child’s best interest.

Factors the court may consider include:

• The child’s relationship with each parent.
• The distance between the parents’ homes.
• Each parent’s willingness to facilitate the child’s relationship with the other parent.

A child custody attorney can guide you through this process and help present your case effectively.

Don’t Let Holiday Stress Take Over. Call LaBre Law Office Today.

Co-parenting during the holidays doesn’t have to be a nightmare. By planning ahead, staying flexible, and keeping your kids’ happiness front and center, you can create holiday memories they’ll cherish for years.

Are you looking for “custody lawyers near me” in Michigan? At LaBre Law Office, excellence is our standard. Our child custody attorneys are here to help families seek solutions that work. With 43 years of combined experience in family law, we know how to handle complex child custody cases—especially during the holidays.

Are you ready to reclaim peace in your co-parenting arrangement? Contact us today at (269) 431-2058 or complete our confidential online form to schedule your consultation. Whether you need advice, mediation, or representation, we are here to help you navigate every twist and turn. Because when it comes to co-parenting and custody, nothing is more important than doing what’s best for your kids.

Copyright © 2024. LaBre Law Office. All rights reserved.

The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

LaBre Law Office
68897 Cass St,
Edwardsburg, MI 49112
(269) 431-2058
https://labrelaw.com/