Thanksgiving is a time for family gatherings, shared meals and expressions of gratitude. But for parents who share custody, it can also give rise to questions and conflicts about holiday timesharing.
At the Law Offices of Forrest & Forrest, PLLC, we know how important it is to honor family traditions while upholding the timesharing provisions of your parenting plan. In this post, we’ll cover how parenting plans typically address holidays such as Thanksgiving. We’ll also discuss what to do if plans aren’t clear or conflicts arise, and we’ll highlight how our lawyers can help you protect your family traditions in the context of your unique custody arrangement.
How holiday timesharing works in Florida
Florida law requires parenting plans to establish detailed timesharing arrangements. Well-drafted parenting plans generally include a holiday schedule that overrides the regular timesharing arrangement. Thanksgiving is one of the major holidays that is frequently addressed in these plans.
Common approaches to dividing holidays such as Thanksgiving include:
- Alternating years: One parent has Thanksgiving in even-numbered years, the other in odd-numbered years.
- Split holidays: Some parents divide the day. However, this approach can be stressful and is less common for Thanksgiving.
- Extended time: If travel is involved, the holiday period may include the weekend or surrounding days.
If your parenting plan doesn’t clearly outline Thanksgiving arrangements, a good place to start is negotiating with your coparent. If you can’t reach an agreement, a mediator, parenting coordinator or judge can help resolve the issue.
Preserving Thanksgiving traditions after divorce
Maintaining traditions is important for children’s sense of stability. This is especially true for major family holidays like Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is often a time when children connect with extended family – grandparents, cousins and other relatives who may play an important role in their lives. Preserving these relationships helps maintain a sense of belonging and continuity during and after divorce.
Here are practical ways to uphold those traditions and family connections:
- Plan early: Confirm holiday schedules well in advance to avoid last-minute conflicts.
- Be flexible: Consider celebrating Thanksgiving on a different day.
- Communicate clearly: Written agreements or parenting apps can help prevent misunderstandings.
When disagreements occur, having a detailed parenting plan is your best protection. Our lawyers help create proactive and comprehensive plans that anticipate holiday issues to avoid disputes.
What if your plan isn’t working?
Big life changes such as new jobs, relocations and remarriages can make old plans impractical. If your current agreement doesn’t fit your family’s needs, you may need to seek a modification. Florida courts allow changes when there’s a substantial change in circumstances, but the process can be challenging, especially if the modification is disputed. Our attorneys have decades of experience guiding parents through modifications and enforcement actions.
Need help with Thanksgiving timesharing?
Holiday disputes often become highly emotional. They take a toll on everyone involved – including the children. Our attorneys focus on preventing these conflicts and resolving disputes before they escalate.
We can help by:
- Drafting detailed parenting plans that minimize conflict
- Advocating for your traditions and your child’s well-being
- Offering clear guidance and responsive communication
Our goal is to help you enjoy the holidays without unnecessary stress.
If you’re facing Thanksgiving scheduling issues or need to update your parenting plan, contact us online or by phone at 954-859-1715. We’ll help you protect your family traditions and find a smooth path forward.