Most families have some type of tradition set up for each of the holidays, including Halloween. A divorce can affect these traditions and make the holidays feel less enjoyable. Whether you’re considering divorce, or have recently divorced from your spouse, here are a few ways to navigate Halloween with your children:

Make it a Family Occasion

Some of the holidays, including Halloween, are typically for the kids. If possible, demonstrate to your children during this time that your decision to divorce won’t affect their happiness. Take your child out trick or treating together. Let the child make the decisions as to what they dress up as, and where they go.

Divide Your Celebrations

Celebrating Halloween is often about much more than the actual night of trick or treating. It may also include school parties or even neighborhood events. If both parents can’t be there for Halloween events, consider dividing your celebrations evenly. This gives the child more of an opportunity to celebrate the season and more to look forward to. It also gives both parents the chance to feel like they’re a part of the celebrations.

Plan a Family Party

If dividing the Halloween events isn’t a possibility, consider having a family party which consists of both sides of the family, and maybe some of their friends. Make the party about the child. Let them choose the decorations, foods, and even the guest list. Let them have a say in the activities and the music of the event. This also gives them something to look forward to.

Schedule Your Own Halloween

If you and your spouse live too far apart to share the holiday, you can also schedule your own Halloween night. While neighbors may not be giving out candy on the night you choose, you can mimic the event in your own home. Consider enrolling a few neighbors or family members to give your child a makeshift Halloween night.

Learning to Navigate the Holidays After Divorce

Divorces can be difficult for everyone in the family. Even when the divorce is complete and it feels like everyone has adjusted to the new routine, a holiday comes up and changes everything. It’s important to develop a plan ahead of time but to also deal with each change as it comes. By developing good communication with your ex-spouse, you can easily navigate each of the holidays. 

Over time, you will find that you have new traditions and you may not remember a time before them. That’s why it’s important to focus on your child during this time and find them a new normal.

If you need assistance communicating or negotiating with your ex-spouse, it may be beneficial to work with a lawyer. A divorce lawyer or negotiator can help you and your family come up with a plan that works for everyone. They may be able to help your family come up with creative solutions to problems that seemed unsolvable before. It’s also important to give yourself time and patience to learn how to navigate.

Contact a Cherry Hill Family 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 Moorestown, Cherry Hill, Evesham Township, and Mount Laurel. 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.