Navigating care arrangements in the holiday season

While the holiday period often evokes feelings of happiness and excitement, the season can also be daunting for separated families. To avoid the challenges associated with shared care, it is imperative to collaborate with your ex-partner to draft a parenting plan which is clear, comprehensive and child-focussed. Below is a list of tips that may be useful when organising care arrangements during the holiday season.

• Make plans with your ex-partner well in advance. Early planning can reduce the risk of confusion and misunderstandings. Having a final plan prior to the arrangements can also help the children feel prepared for the arrangements.
• Set a deadline for finalising the care arrangements to avoid ever-changing plans.
• If you are travelling with or without the children during the holidays, provide your ex-partner with the best contact number and any relevant information, provided that it is safe to do so.
• After the holiday break is over, arrange a time to reflect with your ex-partner so that any improvements can be made for future holiday breaks.
• Be flexible in the care arrangements. For instance, you could consider alternating holidays, whereby this year, you care for the children during the holiday season, and next year, your partner can look after the children. This alternating arrangement ensures that each parent can spend meaningful and relaxing time with the children. Alternatively, special days, such as Christmas day, can be split so that you see the children in the morning, and your partner sees the children in the evening.

What if my ex-partner keeps changing their plans?

It is not uncommon for one party to change their plans last minute. This type of behaviour can cause distress and disruption to the children’s routines. If your ex-partner seems unable to strictly follow a parenting arrangement or plan, we suggest considering formalising the plan into Consent Orders. These Orders are made by consent between the parties and can be filed with the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. Once approved by the Court, the Orders will be binding. This means that both parties are required, by law, to comply with the provisions set out in the Consent Orders. This document can provide clarity to parties, whilst also reducing further disputes.

Before agreeing to any plans or Consent Orders proposed by your ex-partner, we advise seeking legal advice to ensure that what are you are agreeing to is equitable and reasonable.

Seeking Guidance for Holiday Care Arrangements?

To further discuss care arrangements, please Contact our experienced team of Brisbane family lawyers at James Noble Law for more information.

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