How to Handle Your First Christmas After Divorce
Divorce can be life-changing. In addition to the financial and living situation changes, it can also affect your holidays. With Christmas just around the corner, now is a good time to review a few tips for handling your first Christmas after divorce.
Tip 1: Be Flexible
While it’s hard to know what your holiday will look like the first year following a divorce, one thing is for certain, it will be different. Flexibility is important in handling the changes that come with the season. You may have less control over your holiday celebrations, especially if your ex-spouse has your child.
Tip 2: Plan Ahead
Some amount of preparation is important when navigating the first year after a divorce. Some families choose to stick to the previously agreed child custody. Others may make adjustments based on the holiday season. For example, if your child usually goes to a grandparent’s party, one spouse may move around their visitation schedule to allow for that. Try to sit down with your ex-spouse ahead of time to figure out a holiday schedule that works for everyone.
Tip 3: Make Your Own Plans
Even if your child is away for the holidays with the other side of the family, that doesn’t mean that you have to skip the holidays. Turn to your family and friends for support during this difficult time. Find other people in your community who may be in a similar situation, and enjoy the day with them.
Tip 4: Put Feelings Aside and Enjoy the Holidays
Adjusting to life after a divorce is difficult for the whole family. In addition to the living situation changes, your child may also be regretting the upcoming holidays. If possible, try to put aside any feelings of anger or resentment with your ex-spouse and celebrate together. Show your child that they’re a priority.
The holidays will fly by, and before you know it, you’ll realize that you have made it through your first holiday season as a divorcee. Once you create new traditions, navigating the holidays will be easier than ever.
Need Help With a Child Custody Agreement?
Many people expect the finalization of their divorce to be the end of negotiations or child custody disagreements. This is not always the case. Some situations may require that you and your ex-spouse reconsider your agreement. If one spouse decides to move out of state, for example, it may challenge the custody agreement. If one spouse is unwilling to work with you for the holiday season, it may also be worth it to work with a professional negotiator.
Divorces can lead to an influx of strong emotions, which can make it difficult to negotiate effectively. Even if your divorce is already finalized, it may be worth it to bring in a third party. A child custody lawyer can help you and your spouse renavigate any issues as they come up, including how to best handle the holidays. The first year following a divorce can feel isolating, but you’re not alone. There are a variety of resources available to help you make it through it.
Contact a MoorestownFamily Law Attorney for a Consultation About Divorce in New Jersey Today
If you are thinking about filing for divorce, or if you have already started the divorce process and are dealing with another matter such as child custody, child support, or division of assets, you need to speak with a qualified attorney. The New Jersey family law attorneys at Cordry Hartman LLC represent clients throughout the state, including Cherry Hill, Mount Laurel, Marlton, and Delran. We understand how challenging this time can be for you, which is why we will fight hard to protect your interests, and the interests of your loved ones, throughout the legal process. Call us at 856-452-4474 or fill out our confidential contact form to schedule a consultation. We have an office conveniently located at 505 S Lenola Rd Ste 224 Moorestown, NJ 08057.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.