The holiday season, from Thanksgiving through New Year's, should be a joyous time for families. However, for parents in Texas, navigating child custody arrangements often brings stress, confusion, and potential conflict. Don't let the spirit of the season be overshadowed by custody battles. It's time to get aggressive and strategic about protecting your holiday time with your children.
Know Your Decree – Inside and Out
Your child custody order isn't a suggestion; it's a legal command. Before you do anything else, pull out your court order and read it. Every word. Pay particular attention to the sections detailing holiday possession schedules. Texas standard possession orders typically outline specific arrangements for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and sometimes even New Year's. Do you have the children for Thanksgiving in even-numbered years? Are you the parent with the extended Christmas possession this year? There's no room for ambiguity here. If you're unsure, now is the time to get clarity, not to guess.
The Power of Proactive Communication (With Boundaries)
While your decree is paramount, practical implementation often benefits from clear communication. That doesn't mean becoming a pushover. It means initiating discussions about logistical details – pick-up and drop-off times, locations, and travel plans – well in advance. Do not wait until the week of the holiday to start these conversations. Send a concise, factual email referencing the decree. "As per paragraph X of our order, I will be exercising possession for Thanksgiving from [date/time] to [date/time]. Please confirm you understand these arrangements." This isn't about asking permission; it's about stating your intentions based on a court order.
When Travel is Involved: Don't Assume
Many Texans travel during the holidays. If your custody order requires you to provide travel itineraries, do so promptly and accurately. More importantly, if the other parent is traveling with your children, ensure they are adhering to any notice requirements in your order. If they fail to provide information, and your order mandates it, you have every right to demand it. Your children's safety and your right to know their whereabouts are non-negotiable.
Document Everything, Always
This advice isn't just for the holidays; it's for every day you're co-parenting. Every email, text message, and communication regarding custody arrangements should be documented. If you have a phone conversation, follow up with an email summarizing what was discussed and agreed upon. This creates an undeniable paper trail. Should disputes arise, this documentation will be your strongest ally in court.
Don't Let Flexibility Become Exploitation
Sometimes, parents try to "negotiate" away holiday time or propose alternative schedules that benefit them at your expense. Be wary. While some flexibility can be beneficial for the children, do not allow it to erode your established possession schedule without a clear, written agreement that protects your rights. If a proposed change isn't in your children's best interest, or if it consistently leaves you shortchanged, politely but firmly decline. Your court order exists for a reason: to provide a predictable and fair schedule.
Prepare for the Unexpected (and the Uncooperative)
Despite your best efforts, holiday custody disputes can still arise. The other parent may refuse to return the children, change plans without notice, or attempt to withhold information. Do not attempt to resolve these complex legal issues on your own. You need an aggressive legal team that understands Texas family law and is prepared to fight for your rights.
Take Decisive Action – Talk to a Burleson Child Custody Lawyer
The holidays are too precious to leave to chance or to the whims of an uncooperative co-parent. If you're facing difficulties with your child custody arrangements this holiday season, or if you simply want to ensure your rights are protected, contact Coontz Cochran today. Our seasoned attorneys are ready to provide the decisive legal action you need.
Call us at (888) 858-0536 and let us ensure you get the holiday time you deserve with your children.