A Calmer Christmas – Parenting Plans for the Holidays Christmas will be a time for children to enjoy family and the magic of the Christmas spirit, or will they be caught between the competing plans of their parents? It’s October! With only two months to the start of the Christmas holidays, it’s time to sort […]
Christmas will be a time for children to enjoy family and the magic of the Christmas spirit, or will they be caught between the competing plans of their parents?
It’s October! With only two months to the start of the Christmas holidays, it’s time to sort out the parenting arrangements. Nailing down these details now so that both households can enjoy the school holidays will help reduce the last-minute stress that inevitably is felt by the children.
When planning Christmas and school holidays, think about what will help your child feel secure and comfortable. The answer to this may depend on their age, familiar traditions they enjoy, travel time between parents’ homes, meaningful time with the people who matter to them and your child’s down time.
In putting proposals forward, be concise about dates, times and communication. Things to include are:
Phrases like “share the holidays” and “half the holidays” can mean different things to different people. Make sure you state exact dates, times and locations, set a deadline for confirming travel, and include a default position if agreement is not reached. This detail now will help minimise potential tension on the last day of term or Christmas Eve.
You do not have to negotiate directly if there are concerns about family violence, child abuse, coercive control, addiction and substance misuse or other safety risks. Seek family law advice.
When agreement is reached, we recommend recording it in a Parenting Plan or a Parenting Order.
A Parenting Plan is a voluntary agreement signed and dated by both parents. It offers flexibility, but it is not enforceable in the same way as an order. If you need a legally binding arrangement, an order may be more suitable. If orders are already in place, obtain legal advice before making a new plan as it may affect how inconsistent parts of those orders operate.
This article was written by Catherine Leis, a Senior Associate in our Family Law Team.
Senior Associate
e: cleis@adelta.com.au
p: 8415 5000
Senior Associate
B.A., LL.B.(Hons)
Catherine has over 20 years of experience and expertise in all aspects of family law. She has a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from Adelaide University.
Catherine provides pragmatic and empathetic advice to individuals during their relationship, after a separation and if they are having difficulties with parenting arrangements.
Being raised on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia Catherine understands the specific challenges faced by those in rural and regional areas. She has assisted many metropolitan, rural and agricultural clients to navigate the complexities of family law especially where there is intergenerational business or farming enterprises including companies, trusts and self managed superannuation funds.
Catherine can provide specialised assistance in the following areas:
Being Adelaide metropolitan based since 2012, Catherine has raised two children who have experienced both city and country living like her. They are all avid travellers and campers.
When she can, Catherine likes to get away with friends and family to explore the wide brown land, South Australia’s wineries, restaurants and especially the gin distilleries.
Catherine is a qualified mediator having successfully completed the AIFLAM mediation program in October 2023.
She is a member of Family Law Section; Law Society of SA; and AIFLAM and she is on the Practice & Ethics Committee of Law Society
Contact Catherine Leis
