Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; the stockings were hung by the chimney with care, but it felt painfully empty without my children there.
If that modified excerpt from of “The Night Before Christmas” describes your holiday season thus far, there are two things you need to hear:
- We’re sorry you had such a painful experience this year
- Now is the time to make sure this doesn’t happen again
The holidays are often a difficult time for divorced parents and their children alike, but some parents seem to get the short end of an already shortened stick. If you were kept away from the kids or shut out of family gatherings this year, now is the time to explore your options for modifying or enforcing your co-parenting arrangement so you can be part of your kids’ holidays next year.
In an ideal world, the co-parenting arrangement resulting from your divorce would make the rules and procedures surrounding holidays, school vacations and other schedules very clear. Unfortunately, some parents will take every opportunity they have to push the envelope or even take action to turn their kids against their other parent.
If your ex has acted in violation of your co-parenting agreement, a family law attorney can help you explore your options for enforcing the agreement. If your life circumstances have changed significantly since your agreement was reached, your attorney can help you pursue a modification that reflects your current situation as well as what is best for your children.
Life is too short and the time you have with your children is too precious to go through another lonely holiday season without them. Take the first step toward a better future with the help of a knowledgeable divorce and family law attorney.
