Holiday Parenting Time Conflicts: What to Do If the Other Parent Won’t Cooperate

Numerous challenges arise when coparents live in separate areas, have different schedules, and both deserve time with the child. If you are facing the holidays and wondering what to do when the other parent refuses to ensure fair treatment, it may be time to reach out for some help.

At Sharron Jackson Attorney LLC, we can help you navigate Georgia guidelines for holiday parenting time. There are several factors you should consider that our Georgia child custody attorneys can help you navigate.

Holiday Parenting Time Conflicts in Georgia

During your custody hearing, a co-parenting schedule helps guide when a parent expects to have the child. Most parenting plans will include weekend and weekday visitation and requirements. However, most plans also include “Major Holiday and Vacation Periods,” a component of the agreement that outlines expectations during this time of the year.

This schedule outlines parenting time during the holidays, including Holiday Break or Christmas Break. This typically follows the child's school calendar. The holiday custody schedule in Georgia flexes to meet your needs. Once established, both parents should follow that schedule.

For example, the parenting schedule may require that, in odd-numbered years, the mother has the child for the first half of the holiday break and the father the second. It may also outline specific details for the actual holiday itself.

In most situations, you should follow the co-parenting holiday schedule. This is what the court expects you to do, and when you do so, it protects you from claims made against you.

Emergency Modification Options

The problem is, life is not always so direct and simple. There may be work conflicts, illnesses, or other complications that arise that can make sticking to the schedule less possible or ideal. In these situations, good co-parenting makes a huge difference.

When there is a concern and the other parent simply will not budge, you have the right to seek the involvement of the family court in these decisions. However, that process often takes time and can yield few resources. By working with your attorney, you may be able to expedite the process.

Tips for Minimizing Conflict During School Breaks

The ideal situation is to limit parenting time disputes in Georgia whenever possible. Preventing them is possible in many situations if you consider the following tips:

• Communicate early about your needs. If you plan to travel or you want your child to be around a different part of the holiday break, communicate that early on. Ask, do not demand, though.
• Offer something in return. If your needs infringe on the other parent's rights, you may need to offer a benefit. That may include making a change to the parenting schedule that allows the other parent some flexibility when they need it, for example.
• Use documentation to clarify plans. Whether you are using a parenting app, text messages, or emails, get the agreements in some form of documentation. It is far more challenging to rely on statements than to have proof of what occurred. It is also helpful to ensure you have screenshots to back up the other parent's statements.
• Be reasonable about expectations. It also helps to realize that the other parent may still want to spend time with their child during the holidays, and that is their right. If you always demand changes, it can be hard for the other parent to be readily willing to adjust their plans.
• Recognize that some parents may use your child as a pawn. Even years after divorce, it is possible that the other parent may want to make your life difficult. The reality is that you may have less flexibility. Stick with the agreement the court ordered as closely as possible.

Parenting time disputes in Georgia are not uncommon. They increase during the holidays. Yet there are strategies to help you reach the other parent.

When to Call an Attorney Around the Holidays

In many situations, reaching an agreement together is the best way to avoid complications later. However, there are some situations where the other parent simply will not provide you with support, and disputes are increasing. We encourage you to contact a custody lawyer in Gwinnett County in several situations:

• Is there any indication that your child is in danger (after reporting this to the police first)
• The parent is violating the parenting agreement you already have in place, including the court-ordered one.
• There is concern about leaving the state or country with the child, even for a short time. The court often must approve such situations.

You can also speak to an attorney if you have questions or concerns outside of this. Our legal team is here for you, no matter what you are facing, even if it's simply poor communication.

Let Our Custody Lawyers in Georgia Help You

Sharon Jackson Attorney LLC has the experience you need in challenging legal matters like this. It is not uncommon for coparenting disputes to arise during the holidays, but reaching a solution can be easier with the help of an attorney. Contact us for a consultation to discuss your rights and needs. Reach out to us at (678) 436-3636 now. We are here for you throughout the custody process.

FAQs About CoParenting During the Holidays

What should I do if the current parenting plan no longer works for me?

There are various types of parenting plans possible, and finding one that works for you and your child is essential. If there are disputes or limitations on this process from the other parent, seek the help of an attorney to navigate changes.

Will I get in trouble if my co-parent agrees to a different holiday custody plan than the court ordered?

Be sure you have documentation demonstrating what these requirements and changes will be before you agree to them.

What factors does the court consider in making holiday visitation plan changes?

In all situations, the court decides what it believes is in the child's best interest.