Divorce During the Holidays
January 6, 2021
Couples likely prefer waiting until after the holiday season to avoid damaging the holiday atmosphere for children, maintain peaceful family gatherings, and because it’s simply inconvenient to do otherwise.
Regardless of whether you are contemplating a divorce or in the midst of divorce during this holiday season, it’s in your best interest to consult with a family law lawyer in Jefferson City, MO, as soon as possible to ensure you, your children, and your interests are protected.
At Kirsch & Kirsch, we understand how difficult a divorce during the holidays can be. Our team of family law lawyers is here to help you through the process step-by-step. Give us a call at 573-222-0826 to schedule your free consultation today.
Handling Holidays During a Divorce
If you and your spouse are contemplating a divorce during the holiday season, it can make for a rough few weeks. That’s especially true if you have children or you will be spending time with your extended family.
Balancing the pending divorce and the holiday season (known for family time, warmth, and good feelings) can be challenging. However, there are a few steps you can take to make your divorce during the holidays easier. They include:
- Shift Your Expectations: Though the divorce may not be finalized, the relationship has undoubtedly changed. This means that you should not have the same expectations of yourself or your soon-to-be-ex during this holiday season. Allow the new relationship to form and let go of the old one.
- Begin Creating New Traditions: You may decide to spend Christmas separately to make things easier. This can be the beginning of new traditions for you, your ex, and your children. Embrace the change.
- Take a Positive Approach: While the holidays are the happiest time of the year, they are also known as the time with the highest rates of depression. Facing a divorce during the holidays can be mentally taxing. Be sure to maintain a positive outlook and take steps to fortify your mental health.
- Communicate: Communicate your feelings and intentions about the holiday season with your soon to be ex-spouse. Ensure you both know what to expect from the other. Also, discuss with your children. They should know that things will be changing, but they still have both parents supporting them.
Holidays After a Divorce
If you and your ex-spouse don’t have children, the best thing to do is create new holiday traditions, separately. If that’s not possible, discuss your boundaries with your ex and your family and hold firm to them.
If you have children, it’s best to rely on your parenting plan’s details for the holiday season. Most parenting plans outline who the children spend holidays with, when, and where. Neglecting to follow the plan can lead to both legal and familial problems.
When temporary changes need to be made, it’s best to communicate the proposed changes with your spouse and ensure it’s in the children’s best interest. If you want to change your parenting plan holiday schedule permanently, you can file to modify your parenting plan with the family court.
Contact Kirsch & Kirsch Divorce Lawyers in Jefferson City Today
Divorce can already be an intense and emotional process. Divorce, coupled with the holiday season, can sometimes make things even worse. If you and your spouse are contemplating a divorce, it’s in your best interest to ensure it’s as fair as possible.
An experienced family law lawyer in Missouri can help you with the following issues:
- Child custody
- Child support
- Negotiations
- Spousal support and alimony
- Division of property and debts
- Drafting documents (i.e., Divorce Settlement Agreement, Parenting Plan, etc.)
Even if it’s an uncontested divorce, you should have an experienced family law lawyer in Jefferson City to look through your proposed agreement to ensure your rights and interests are protected.
If you’re going through a divorce during this holiday season, you don’t have to go through it alone. The family law lawyers at Kirsch & Kirsch are here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today at 573-222-0826 to schedule your free initial consultation.