Paul Horton: Holiday Parent Time

Child Time Sharing: It is the most wonderful time of year. The holiday season has arrived. For many people throughout Utah, it is a time for families to get together. But as I’ve seen as a family lawyer, this is not always the case for families of divorce? Salt Lake City is home to countless families with children that have split apart. While many divorced couples share co-parenting duties. It can be a little more challenging during the holidays. However, with a little creativity and tolerance, there is no reason why everyone can’t enjoy some holiday cheer.

When it comes to divorce, Utah family law encourages both parents to be involved in the upbringing of their children. This often involves co-parenting. Ask any Salt Lake City divorce attorney and they can tell you horror stories of many couples that ended their marriage acrimoniously. But when it comes time for the holidays, there are some solutions to make those Christmas get-togethers are little more bearable.

CHILD TIME SHARING SUGGESTIONS

Comply with your divorce settlement:It is important to follow all of the court’s rulings for your co-parenting conditions. Not only is it the law, it is designed to be fair. If you have any disagreements with your ex-spouse, keep it away from the children.
Each parent should spend equal time with the children:The holidays are known as the season of giving. One of the best gifts you can give to your child is the opportunity to spend equal time with their mother and father. The court should have a holiday time-share plan.
Be respectful to your former spouse:Do not disrespect your ex-spouse in front of the children. It is easy to get into a verbal spat over how your kids should spend the holidays. But it does not make the situation better and is completely unproductive. Do not rob your child’s opportunity to enjoy their Christmas.
Be cognizant of your child’s happiness:Always place the best interests of your child first. Far too many divorced couples see child time sharing as a competition. Each parent wants to project a better image than the other. That is the wrong approach. Instead, focus on your child’s happiness. By creating a positive experience, it will also help your child enjoy their holidays with your former spouse.

Divorce can leave deep emotional scars for everyone involved–especially the children. But it does not have to always get ugly. Make the effort to peacefully co-exist with your ex. A little kindness and respect can often go a long way.

LIFE HAPPENS: DON’T LET IT HAPPEN WITHOUT A LEGAL SEPARATION

For many couples, divorce is not just an overnight decision. Rarely does someone just wake up one morning and decide that they are going to file papers. A lot of couples may even opt for a trial separation. In some cases, they may not even intend to get remarried so it just seems easier to stay living apart without formally dividing their assets.

While it might seem easier, separating without a formal agreement can leave both spouses unprotected. Whether a couple chooses a legal separation or a formal divorce, setting terms for how property should be handled is more than a prudent choice.
How can living separately have a financial effect? The first issue is that a spouse may have no idea how the other spouse is spending the couple’s money. Until divorce occurs or a legal date of separation has been decided, any income earned or liability incurred is still considered marital. Longer separations even provide more time for a spouse to carefully hide assets.

Aside from how a spouse may spend or deal with finances, a lot can happen in life that could affect a future settlement. For instance, the law itself is a consideration. Not only can laws change, but a spouse could move to a jurisdiction in which the settlement outcome may be drastically different due to varying laws.

What if one spouse decides to enter into a new relationship? It may not have been in his or her future plans; but it happens. Not only would a spouse have to obtain a divorce prior to remarrying, but being in a relationship during divorce could have an effect on the outcome.

What if a spouse loses his or her job? What if you inherit a large sum of money? What if a lawsuit arises against the other spouse? What if they run into criminal trouble and are forced to pay restitution?

The point is that life is unpredictable, but those that want to have control over their financial future should discuss their intentions with an experienced divorce attorney in Utah.

Free Consultation with a Holiday Parent-Time Lawyer

If you have a question about child custody question or if you need to collect back child support, please call Ascent Law at (801) 676-5506. We will help you.