Contact at Christmas

December 2, 2024

Christmas is a common time of year for conversations around residence and contact arrangements for your children to come up.

You may be looking to spend more time with your children, defend the time you currently spend with them or navigate making arrangements with your former partner over the Christmas period.

In some circumstances, it can be challenging to communicate with your former partner when you understandably want to make the festive period as smooth and enjoyable for your children as possible.

In this blog, we discuss some of the common questions concerning how to navigate residency and contact arrangements all year round, as well as at Christmas.

While we hope this will be helpful, it should not be taken as legal advice. If you need any further support, our family law solicitors will be happy to support you further.

To speak to one of our experts, please contact us today by calling 0800 1584147, emailing info@tayntons.co.uk or requesting a call back.

What is a child contact arrangement, and how is it established?

A child contact arrangement outlines when and how a child will see each parent after separation or divorce.

It aims to ensure that the child maintains a stable relationship with both parents, where it is safe and possible to do so.

This arrangement can be made between the parents through family mediation and then formalised with a Consent Order. If you cannot agree, a Child Arrangements Order can be issued by the Family Court.

The court’s decision will prioritise the child’s best interests, considering factors such as safety, emotional needs, and each parent’s ability to provide care.

What happens if my ex-partner and I can’t agree on contact arrangements?

If you and your ex-partner cannot agree on contact arrangements, you may choose to try family mediation, where an impartial mediator helps facilitate discussions to reach a mutually acceptable solution.

If you are struggling to communicate with your former partner, mediation can provide a helpful environment to discuss your options with a neutral third party.

If mediation is unsuccessful or unsuitable for your situation, you can apply to the Family Court for a Child Arrangements Order. The court will review the case, focusing on the child’s best interests, including safety, emotional needs, and the relationship with each parent.

How can I modify an existing child contact arrangement?

To modify an existing child contact arrangement, you should begin by discussing any changes you wish to make with the other parent. This may involve specific situations, such as the festive period, which may require a more nuanced approach.

If both parents agree, they can amend the arrangement informally or document it through a solicitor for clarity. If an agreement isn’t possible, you may wish to enter into family mediation in order to reach an outcome both parties are happy with.

If you have been unable to agree on a change to your arrangements through discussion and mediation, you can apply to the Family Court to request a change to the Child Arrangements Order.

The court will review the modification request, prioritising the child’s best interests and assessing any significant changes in circumstances to ensure that the updated arrangement continues to support the child’s wellbeing.

Can the court help with holiday-specific contact arrangements, such as for Christmas?

Yes, the court can help with holiday-specific contact arrangements, including Christmas.

If you cannot agree on arrangements for holidays, you can apply for a Child Arrangements Order through the Family Court.

This order can specify where the child will spend special occasions such as Christmas, birthdays, and school holidays.

The court will consider the child’s best interests, ensuring a fair balance that allows the child to enjoy time with both parents.

If you already have a Child Arrangements Order in place, you can apply to change it in order to address specific situations such as Christmas.

Get in touch with our family law solicitors

Looking for legal advice and support with child arrangements in Gloucester, Cheltenham, the Forest of Dean or anywhere in Gloucestershire?

Please contact our family law solicitors today by calling 0800 1584147, emailing info@tayntons.co.uk or requesting a call back.