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Christmas is often one of the most emotionally sensitive times of the year for separated parents. With family traditions, travel plans and school holidays to consider, it is no surprise that many parents seek legal guidance from IMD Solicitors LLP in the run-up to Christmas and New Year. These holiday periods can create tension, particularly when both parents want meaningful time with their child.
Planning Christmas Arrangements After Separation
Following separation, parents must decide where their child will live and how contact will work. Christmas can be especially challenging because expectations, routines and family commitments often differ. Travel plans may add further complexity, particularly when consent is needed to take a child abroad.
At IMD Solicitors, we regularly help parents work through these discussions in a constructive way, using solicitor correspondence to keep the communication between the parents clear and focused. This structured approach helps identify practical solutions, such as appropriate handover times and a fair division of the holiday period. Common points of discussion include:
- How to share Christmas Day and Boxing Day
- Whether key days should alternate each year
- How the wider school holiday should be divided
- Arrangements for phone or video contact
Recording the Agreement
If parents reach an agreement, we can assist in formalising the arrangements, so they become legally enforceable, giving both parents clarity and peace of mind. Once submitted, the court can approve the proposed arrangements, providing added reassurance not only for Christmas but for future holiday periods as well.
What Happens When Parents Cannot Agree?
Sometimes, an agreement is not possible. As Christmas approaches, uncertainty can place parents under pressure. In these circumstances, a parent may need to apply to the court for an order setting out how the child will spend time with each parent.
If proceedings are already ongoing but Christmas has not yet been addressed, it is possible to make an urgent interim application for short-term arrangements, such as:
- Where the child will stay on Christmas Eve
- How contact on Christmas Day will work
- How time will be divided until school resumes
An interim order provides temporary structure until a final order is made.
When Arrangements Already Exist
Many families already have child arrangements in place, often recorded in a court order. However, Christmas can still raise new issues: work schedules may change, children may join festive activities, or family plans may shift. A solicitor can help with communication regarding temporary adjustments, but if agreement cannot be reached, a parent may need to apply to vary the existing order. The court will consider the child’s welfare and the demands of the holiday period.
Travel Abroad at Christmas
Christmas is a popular time for family travel abroad. Where both parents have parental responsibility, consent is required before taking a child out of the jurisdiction. Travelling without consent or court permission can lead to serious legal consequences.
If consent is refused, a parent may apply to the court for permission.
The court will consider the child’s welfare, any risk of non-return, and the impact on existing arrangements.
The Value of Early Advice
Parents benefit greatly from early legal advice when planning Christmas arrangements. Early preparation reduces stress, avoids last-minute disputes, and ensures clarity during what can be a demanding and emotional time. Agreed schedules help parents stay organised, and court orders can provide structure when communication proves difficult. Urgent applications remain available when deadlines are tight, and international travel requires particular care.
At IMD Solicitors LLP, we support parents through negotiation, drafting agreements, and preparing court applications. Our aim is to help families create workable, child-focused arrangements that promote stability throughout the Christmas period.
Conclusion
Child contact arrangements for Christmas work best when parents plan early and communicate clearly. Christmas is a meaningful time, and firm, reliable arrangements are essential for reducing conflict and supporting a child’s welfare. Whether parents seek to reach agreement, or require court assistance, IMD Solicitors LLP is here to provide clear and practical guidance to ensure that holiday arrangements run as smoothly as possible.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Please note that the law may have changed since this article was published.
