Co-Parenting Doesn’t Have to Be Scary! ?
The holidays are filled with times of fun with family and loved ones, but for those that co-parent, this time of year can sometimes present challenges. Major holidays are often included in custody agreements but more minor holidays, like Halloween, are sometimes left out. Planning ahead and creating a co-parenting plan for Halloween can help parents and their children enjoy this night of fun.
Halloween lands on one night, which makes it more difficult to be divided up between parents. Unlike Thanksgiving and Christmas, children are not given time off school for Halloween, which can sometimes make the sharing of holidays easier. For example, one parent can have the child(ren) on Thanksgiving, and the other parent can celebrate Thanksgiving the following Friday with his or her child(ren), as most schools are closed that day.
With Halloween just one week away, it is important that separated parents have a plan in place so that their child(ren) can make the most of a holiday that is going to look a little bit different this year due to COVID-19. Below are some tips on how best to co-parent this coming Halloween:
Come up with a plan – Some parents opt to switch off the holiday every year while some find a way to divide up the day. Whatever is decided, it is important that parents remember that this day is about the child(ren).
Communicate with your attorney – If you are unable to come to an agreement with your co-parent on a plan for Halloween, keep in contact with your attorney so that he or she can provide advice and/or discuss possible next steps.
Safety first – The CDC has released official guidelines for Halloween activities this year, which can be found here. The list offers many alternatives to trick-or-treating, as it is being discouraged this year.
Halloween is the first of many holidays to come in the next few months. If you or someone you know has questions about parenting agreements or the sharing of custody during the holidays, contact one of our experienced family law attorneys today.