HOW CAN CONNECTICUT PARENTS MODIFY A HOLIDAY PARENTING PLAN?

The winter holidays are here, and it is a time of celebration for many Connecticut parents and children. However, if a child’s parents are divorced, navigating the holidays can be challenging. Thus, it might be a good time to blow the dust off your parenting plan and review it, ensuring it still meets your needs as your co-parent with your ex this holiday season.

For example, parenting plans will generally lay out who the child will spend which holiday with whom and when. It is important for parents to consult their parenting plan well before planning any holiday celebrations. That way, they can ensure that there won’t be any conflicts with their ex regarding the holidays. If upon review a parent believes the holiday schedule should be modified, then they can try to settle the matter with their ex out-of-court.

When negotiating a settlement on child custody, parenting time or other family law issues, it is important to be honest. In addition, it is important for parents to identify what they really want when it comes to spending the holidays with their child. Understanding that compromises will need to be made by both parties is key. Any settlements reached can be submitted to the court for approval, so they can be made a legally binding part of the parenting plan.

If agreeing to a modification out-of-court isn’t possible, then parents can go before a judge who will decide whether and how to modify the parenting plan. This modification will ultimately be based on the best interests of the child. So, while many parents can review their parenting plans in light of the upcoming holidays and reach an agreement on their own with regards to any necessary modifications, those who are unable to settle the matter on their own can still seek a modification through the court system that is legally binding.