Navigating Custody and Holidays in Pennsylvania
The holiday season can be joyful yet stressful for separated or divorced parents. Understanding how Pennsylvania custody laws manage holiday parenting time can help you avoid conflict and ensure a peaceful celebration for your children.
Review Your Custody Agreement
As the end-of-the-year holidays are approaching, now is a good time to review your custody order and, specifically, to familiarize yourself with the plan for the holidays. This document should outline the specifics of holiday parenting time, including how holidays are divided between the parents and which holidays are covered.
Common Holiday Custody Arrangements
Pennsylvania courts encourage parents to agree on a holiday schedule that reflects their family traditions and their children’s needs. Some of the most common arrangements include:
- Alternating Holidays Each Year
For example, one parent has Thanksgiving in even-numbered years, and the other has it in odd-numbered years. - Splitting the Holiday
For major holidays like Christmas, parents may split the day—one parent has the child on Christmas Eve and the other on Christmas Day, and the other on Christmas Day until the day after Christmas. - Fixed Holidays
Some parents agree that one parent always has a specific holiday (e.g., Mother’s Day with Mom, Father’s Day with Dad), regardless of the year. - Extended Holiday Breaks
School breaks, such as winter or spring break, can be split or alternated. These often require longer-term planning, especially if travel is involved.
Tips for Successful Holiday Co-Parenting
- Plan Ahead
Start discussing holiday plans as early as possible. It may be difficult or impossible to get into court at the last minute over a holiday schedule. It is best for everyone if you can come up with a plan in advance. - Follow the Court Order
If you have a custody order in place, stick to it, unless you both agree to a different plan for the specific holiday. - Communicate Clearly and Respectfully
Avoid involving children in scheduling decisions or disagreements. Be respectful and open to each other’s perspectives and family traditions, and express your desires for holiday plans clearly. Aim to find common ground that prioritizes the best interests of your child. - Put the Children First
Above all, keep your child’s well-being at the forefront of your decisions. Holiday custody isn’t about “winning” time—it’s about creating positive, memorable experiences for your children.
With proactive communication, planning, and a focus on your child’s best interests, parents can minimize conflict and stress and make holidays enjoyable for everyone. If you need assistance with a holiday custody schedule or have questions about legal matters affecting your family, contact us to schedule a consultation. Enjoy the end-of-the-year holidays!