CHILD CUSTODY — CAN IT STILL MEAN FAMILY HOLIDAYS?

There are likely many Michigan couples who are dreading the holidays with their in-laws or even with their own parents and spouses. As many experts predict, the holidays bring about a huge surge in divorce papers being filed. The issue that most couples need to be reminded of, and not just during the holidays, is that child custody can work well if both parents are dedicated to doing what is right for their children.

Not all couples are able to maintain a close friendship once their divorce becomes final, but more and more couples are coming to understand the benefits of at least remaining friendly for the sake of their children. Both ex-spouses have to come to the conclusion that they want to make the situation somewhat calm, peaceful and amicable for the benefit of the children they are raising, however. That’s truly the bottom line: whether married or divorced, the children bind the couple together for life, regardless of whether they still like each other.

This time of year there are activities that can help ease ex-spouses back into spending time together. Get together to decorate the Christmas tree with the children. Make time on Christmas eve or day to open presents as a family. Even if the parents are no longer living under the same roof, the children they share make them a family, and a marriage license or a divorce decree does not change that.

Gracefully adapting to the changes, though doing so may feel awkward at first, may help the children in the long run. Michigan parents who are having a hard time making their child custody agreement work well, or at all, may wish to seek help. Above all, both parents should have equal time with both parents. If it is too soon after a divorce for the parents to share time together as a family, then at least both parents should make sure they share important moments with their children separately, such as the holidays. Perhaps as the wounds heal, the parents will be able to share some moments together as a family.

Source: USA Today, Ex-spouses can get along — and not just for the holidays, Sharon Jayson, Dec. 23, 2013