Family Comes First: A Reminder for Divorced Parents in Texas

For divorced parents, the holiday season often brings additional stress and challenges. This is because they navigate the delicate balance between their holiday plans and their ex-spouse’s expectations. The Law Office of Bryan Fagan attorneys have met couples who, even if co-parenting has been smooth for them for most of the year, December introduced extra hurdles.

These challenges can lead to tension and disputes between parents, even when they are physically apart. Unfortunately, this can have a negative impact on children, who are very perceptive and can sense the strain. In moments of frustration, you may wonder whether it’s possible for both you and your ex-spouse to maintain civility and create enjoyable moments with your children during this festive time.

Think Positively: Civil Co-Parenting during the Holidays Is Achievable

As a family law attorney at The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, I have served clients from diverse backgrounds in Southeast Texas. I can confidently affirm that you can alleviate tensions and help your children create lasting memories during this time of year. It presents an excellent opportunity for cooperation between you and your ex-spouse.

It’s natural to focus on your own desires and holiday plans during this season, potentially overlooking the feelings of your ex-spouse and, more importantly, your children. Although it may not consciously occur to you, when you prioritize only your plans, you inadvertently convey to your children that your goals outweigh those of your ex-spouse, delivering a detrimental message.

Collaborating to Prioritize Your Children

Here’s the hard truth: your holiday celebrations (at least in the near future) may not align precisely with your desired holiday traditions or grant you every moment with your children you wish for. Most Texas Final Decrees of Divorce come with visitation schedules that may limit your flexibility to accommodate all your preferences.

This limitation exists because your ex-spouse, despite no longer being your spouse, remains a parent to your children who loves them just as deeply as you do. They have an equal right to enjoy the holiday season with your children.

Above all else, it’s essential not to put your children in the middle of any conflict regarding holiday visitation between you and your ex-spouse. Regardless of their age, children can keenly feel the pressure of being essentially asked to decide which parent to spend time with during the holidays. If you remember your divorce proceedings, you likely received advice from the judge not to involve your children in such matters. The same principle applies post-divorce.

In essence, The Law Office of Bryan Fagan strongly advises effective communication between you and your ex-spouse during the holidays. This doesn’t necessarily mean inviting them over for coffee, but it does mean engaging in productive, positive communication, whether through email, phone calls, text messages, or a co-parenting platform like My Family Wizard. Gear this type of communication towards ensuring your children enjoy their time with both parents.

Planning Ahead for Peaceful Holidays

As my grandfather used to say, “If you don’t use your head, you have to use your feet.” In other words, if you don’t plan ahead, you’ll end up making last-minute adjustments. If you know of a special event you’d like your children to attend, but it conflicts with your ex-spouse’s visitation schedule, I recommend communicating this early to explore potential compromises.

While not all conflicts can be resolved, addressing the issue well in advance increases the chances of finding a solution. It’s more challenging to reach an agreement two days before an event or holiday dinner than it is in October.

If you do manage to work out an agreement to modify your visitation schedule for the holidays, ensure that all logistics are clear, including pick-up and drop-off locations. If special clothing or items are needed, make sure they are provided, whether you are the parent receiving the children or the one sending them off. When everything is documented and both parties understand the details, the likelihood of conflicts diminishes significantly.

Remember that even during the first Christmas of World War One, British and German soldiers could set aside their differences to enjoy the holiday. With mutual understanding and proper planning, you and your ex-spouse can do the same to ensure a joyful holiday season for your children.

Questions about holiday visitation or other family law matters? Contact the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC

If you have questions about visitation arrangements for the upcoming holiday season, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC. Our team of experienced family law attorneys is here to assist you. We offer free family law consultations and are available six days a week to meet with you. Whether you need clarification on existing orders or seek modifications to your Divorce Decree, we are ready to support you and your family.

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Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC | Spring Divorce Lawyer

The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, routinely handles matters that affect children and families. If you have questions regarding divorce, it’s essential to speak with ar Spring, TX Divorce Lawyer right away to protect your rights.

A divorce lawyer in Spring, TX, is skilled at listening to your goals during this trying process and developing a strategy to meet those goals. Contact the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC by calling (281) 810-9760 or submit your contact information in our online form. The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, handles Divorce cases in Spring, Texas, Cypress, Spring, Klein, Humble, Kingwood, Tomball, The Woodlands, the FM 1960 area, or surrounding areas, including Harris County, Montgomery County, Liberty County, Chambers County, Galveston County, Brazoria County, Fort Bend County, and Waller County.

Bryan Joseph Fagan( Attorney )

Bryan Fagan, a native of Atascocita, Texas, is a dedicated family law attorney inspired by John Grisham’s “The Pelican Brief.” He is the first lawyer in his family, which includes two adopted brothers. Bryan’s commitment to family is personal and professional; he cared for his grandmother with Alzheimer’s while completing his degree and attended the South Texas College of Law at night.

Married with three children, Bryan’s personal experiences enrich his understanding of family dynamics, which is central to his legal practice. He specializes in family law, offering innovative and efficient legal services. A certified member of the College of the State Bar of Texas, Bryan is part of an elite group of legal professionals committed to ongoing education and high-level expertise.

His legal practice covers divorce, custody disputes, property disputes, adoption, paternity, and mediation. Bryan is also experienced in drafting marital property agreements. He leads a team dedicated to complex family law cases and protecting families from false CPS allegations.

Based in Houston, Bryan is active in the Houston Family Law Sector of the Houston Bar Association and various family law groups in Texas. His deep understanding of family values and his professional dedication make him a compassionate advocate for families navigating Texas family law.