Individuals in Michigan who are approaching or going through divorce during the holiday season already know how difficult such a process can be, and how the difficulty can be exacerbated by the holiday festivities around us. Indeed, divorcing during the holidays can have a lasting impact on the individuals involved, including the children as well as the spouses. Children may have to endure bouncing between households for years going forward due to the terms of the Parenting Agreement that results after divorce.
There are steps that can be taken, though, to minimize the negative impact of divorce at this particularly sensitive time of the year. First, it is important for both spouses to remember that divorce is simply a part of life sometimes, and that the holidays are not a time to try to buy forgiveness or love from their children. Holiday spending should be kept within reasonable budgets despite the heavy emotions that may come with divorce.
Second, it’s a good idea to find a place to be with family and friends for people who cannot be with their children. For those who have custody of the kids, it’s important to remember not to use holiday time as a weapon. This time of year calls for understanding. Even if the ex-spouse deserves to be punished, the children do not. On the positive side, the holidays are a great time for establishing family traditions.
Parents who see the holidays as a time for positivity and generosity are most likely to get the most out of the season. For individuals going through divorce during this emotional time, it may be a good idea to consult professional advisors. An attorney with experience in family law may be able to help by examining the facts of the divorce and developing a plan to argue for child custody, for example. An attorney may be able to negotiate a property settlement that both parties can live with or argue on behalf of the client during family court proceedings.