Dear Attorneys,
The holidays are coming up and I’m really worried that my co-parent isn’t going to comply with our Court Order regarding Christmas parenting time. What can I do to ensure that he brings my daughter to me when he is supposed to?
Sincerely,
Christmas Carol
Dear Carol,
The holidays are stressful to begin with, but we understand that when you are dealing with a difficult co-parent, that stress that just gets exacerbated. Unfortunately, the courts are reactive, not pro-active, and concerns about holidays are not emergency situations that would allow for an emergency motion.
Our best suggestion to clients is to reach out in writing (either text, or if you use AppClose or Our Family Wizard), and just remind your co-parent of the actual schedule. Aside from that, just make sure to follow your part of the Order as well, and hopefully that encourages him to do so. If for any reason he does violate it, make sure to contact him again in writing, advise him of such, and then reach out to an attorney to file a Post-Judgment Motion for Contempt. At least that way, you can get some make up holiday parenting time, whether it be next year, or another holiday during the calendar year.
At Wolf & Shore Law Group, we know that co-parenting coordination can be tricky, especially when they involve holiday plans like this. Our attorneys can help you understand your legal rights, explore solutions, and, if needed, guide you through mediation or court proceedings to reach a resolution that works for your family.
Very Truly Yours,
Wolf & Shore Law Group
*The situations represented in our Dear Attorneys column are entirely fictional and any resemblance to a specific case is unintentional. We cannot, and will not, offer legal advice to anyone who is not a client. However, if you do have questions or concerns, you should contact an attorney at your convenience.
