
The Twelve Days of Family Law: A Holiday Guide from your Family Lawyer
17 October 2024
By Hayley Ellison
Ah, the holiday season! A time when we dream of “Silent Night”—but let’s face it, for many families, it’s more like “Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, chaos all the way!” If you’re navigating separation, the holidays can feel like a never-ending bittersweet ballad.
With October upon us, Christmas lights are popping up in stores like mushrooms after rain. Can you believe we’re ten weeks away from the big day? If you want to keep the cheer and sidestep holiday drama, I’ve got some festive advice—your holiday gift from your family lawyer (no gift wrap needed!).
On the first day of Christmas my family lawyer said to me: communication is key!
“Do You Hear What I Hear?” If you’re not talking openly with your ex-partner about holiday plans, you could find yourself in a jam worse than waiting for Santa in a snowstorm!
On the second day of Christmas my family lawyer said to me: Plan, Plan, Plan!
Winging it during the holidays? Think again! Without a solid plan, you might find yourself singing “Let It Snow” while everything melts down around you. Chat with your ex-partner to determine what you can agree on—don’t wait for a Christmas miracle!
And if your plans can’t agree, don’t just hope for the best. Booking a consultation with a family lawyer might be the best holiday gift you give yourself. Remember, to file for parenting arrangements, you’ll need to attempt Family Dispute Resolution first.
The deadline for applications in the Family Court related to the Christmas period is the second Friday of November (this year, November 8). Procrastination might leave you singing a different tune altogether!
On the third day of Christmas my family lawyer said to me: Don’t be caught out by closures.
Nothing ruins holiday cheer faster than realising shops are closed on Christmas Day and you’re left with a turkey but no trimmings. Remember, closures aren’t just for retail, contact services, mediators, and even family lawyers might take a holiday too. Check those dates—a handover at the local police station is a quick way to dampen the holiday spirit.
On the fourth day of Christmas my family lawyer said to me: Avoid holiday debt.
Here’s the scoop: start shopping early and hit up those online sales. The last-minute rush can have you stuck in a line, listening to “Frosty the Snowman” on loop.
Coordinate with your ex-partner on joint gifts or at least to compare gifts for the children so you’re not at war in the toy aisle—everyone wins!
On the fifth day of Christmas my family lawyer said to me: Protect the children from conflict.
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” reminds us everyone deserves support. Shield your kids from adult disputes so they can enjoy the holidays guilt-free.
On the sixth day of Christmas my family lawyer said to me: Create new Christmas magic!
Just because you can’t have Christmas Day doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate it on another day! Sell your children on the idea of double celebrations—more fun, more gifts!
Focus on creating new traditions they’ll treasure.
On the seventh day of Christmas my family lawyer said to me: Tell your support network what you need.
“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”—with a little help from your friends! Share your plans and concerns; your loved ones are ready to support you, but they can’t read your mind.
On the eighth day of Christmas my family lawyer said to me: Have a Plan B.
Life is unpredictable, much like the holiday shopping rush. Keep a backup plan handy in case things change.
Flexibility is your friend, and it will make the season smoother for everyone involved.
On the ninth day of Christmas my family lawyer said to me: Be mindful about introducing new partners.
While “Let’s Get Together” might be appealing, tread lightly with introductions. The holidays are not the time for surprises, especially when your family is already adjusting. Think about how you’d feel if the roles were reversed.
On the tenth day of Christmas my family lawyer said to me: No spontaneous overseas trips!
Unless you’ve got the other parent’s blessing first. If you’re in active Family Court proceedings, children can’t travel overseas without written consent from both parents.
Unauthorised travel can lead to serious consequences—not a holiday adventure you want.
On the eleventh day of Christmas my family lawyer said to me: Prioritize self-care.
Amid the holiday hustle, don’t forget about you! Reach out to support agencies for separated families and keep your self-care plan handy. Remember, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” if you let the people around you help you celebrate.
On the twelfth day of Christmas my family lawyer said to me: Wishing you a safe, joyous season!
So, deck those halls and prepare in advance! Let’s make this holiday season magical, even if it looks a little different than you imagined.
Happy holidays! May your days be merry, bright, and sprinkled with a dash of legal wisdom.
Disclaimer
This article is not legal advice and the views and comments are of a general nature only. This article is not to be relied upon in substitution for detailed legal advice.
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