As the holiday season approaches, many parents can feel the pressure of dealing with the challenges of their holiday visitation schedule. Whether this is the first holiday season that you have to adhere to a visitation schedule with your ex, or perhaps you are dealing with a new change in the holiday schedule this year, there are steps you can take now to minimize the holiday stress with your ex.

Every co-parent should review their parenting plan or existing custody order prior to the holidays. If everything is still ok and no changes or accommodations need to be made, then a simple confirmation with your co-parent should suffice. If there are issues with your current schedule and need to change it, you should first communicate your request to your co-parent and see if any accommodation can be made. Both parents should be flexible and compromise to avoid unproductive communication. Some co-parents may consult and use the services of a mediator if they cannot reach an expeditious agreement among themselves.  Mediation can be an effective tool that may resolve the issue(s) without having to litigate in court. 

Renegotiating with your ex to change the holiday schedule, either on a temporary or permanent basis, can be challenging. If speaking with your co-parent is not fruitful and mediation does not work, you may want to consider speaking with an attorney to discuss your options. Some of the options available may be filing a court modification or enforcement. If you have any questions about your upcoming holiday access schedule, feel free to contact our firm and we would be happy to meet with you to discuss your legal options. 

What is a divorce based on mutual consent grounds?

Divorces can take a long time to complete from beginning to end. In some instances, the parties can obtain an absolute divorce based on mutual consent grounds if certain requirements are met. First, there MUST be a written and signed settlement agreement that resolves all the issues including marital property, child custody, child support, alimony, and use and possession of the marital home. Second, there must also be a completed child support guidelines worksheet if child support is involved. Both parties must be satisfied with the agreement and the court must also be satisfied with the agreement. If child custody is part of the agreement, the court must be satisfied that the custody schedule is in the best interests of the minor child(ren).

A lawyer can help you draft the agreement and file the necessary paperwork with the court to help you obtain your final absolute divorce. Filing for an absolute divorce based on mutual consent grounds helps the parties avoid costly litigation and is expeditious once the agreement is drafted and signed. If you have any questions, please contact us at (443) 741-2567 and we would be happy to meet with you to answer all of your questions.

With the start of the school year underway, the changes in your children’s schedule may spark renewed discussions with you and your ex regarding changing your custody schedule. Maybe your child is starting kindergarten, or perhaps your child’s after school activities are more time consuming and you have to figure out a new pick up schedule… many new changes may have parents needing to address an existing custody arrangement or perhaps even modify it.

Below are some helpful tips to consider as you handle these changes:

1. Be respectful and be a good listener. The conversation and concerns will go much smoother if you approach concerns with a positive attitude.

2. Put your child’s needs and priorities first. If there needs to be an adjustment due to schedule or a new change and it is in your child’s best interest to do so, you should give it some serious consideration.

3. If you and your ex cannot come to an agreement, consider other options like mediation before resorting going to court. Litigation is the most expensive option to go through and there are other avenues to explore.

4. Consistency is important as it pertains to a child’s schedule. If you do come to an agreement and make some adjustments, stick to them as best as you can as to avoid constant disruption in your child’s life.

Change can be stressful but it is also manageable. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach us at (443) 741-2567 and we would be happy to meet with you to discuss your options.