Tips for Dealing with Divorce & Separation During the Holidays

For many families, the holidays are either joyous celebrations or high stress situations. Sometimes it can be both. Once a new divorce or separation is factored into the equation, things can get even trickier and more difficult. Utilize the following tips and strategies from an experienced divorce lawyer and separation attorney who has worked with many families who have had to deal with divorce and separation during this holiday season.

• Speak up for what matters most. If time is being split between two former spouses and different sides of the family, then create a plan and schedule, and try to allow each side to prioritize what matters most. For instance, some families grow up with Christmas Eve being the biggest occasion, while for others, it’s Christmas Day. For some, maybe the specific day doesn’t matter, but a different event or tradition might. Everyone likely won’t get everything they want; but with prioritization and honesty with what’s most important, the process becomes easier.
• Remember that it’s not a competition between two ex’s to see who buys the kids the most stuff, or the better presents. Don’t get into a spending war or make it all about buying expensive things in attempt to buy their love or favoritism.
• Think about boundaries and what types of settings or environments will be best for the family. For instance, if a divorce is very fresh, some couples may be tempted to do one last holiday season with everyone together. This may work for some families, but for others, it will only make the kids more confused, and complicate matters, potentially even leading to an eruption at some point throughout the ordeal. 
• Keep in mind that this is going to be difficult for everyone. From the kids, to the ex spouses, to the grandparents and extended family members, and even family friends. Try to be open and flexible, as well as patient and understanding of each person’s unique experience with the situation. It’s new, it’s difficult, and for many of those parties, it will even be unwanted, so patience and understanding is key.
• Create new traditions, events or holiday rituals that come into practice. It’s the perfect time to launch something new, which perhaps has always been thought about, but never done. Whether it’s a special type of meal, a trip or outing to someplace new, a focus on more religious aspects of the holidays, or simply the ideals of joy and love, any ending is an opportunity for a new beginning as well, so take advantage of that and start fresh.

If the time for divorce or separation has come, take action with high quality representation from a trusted divorce lawyer. Contact Fremont, Ohio law firm Mayle, Ray & Mayle for a free consultation by calling (419) 334-8377. The firm has a second office in Bellevue, and conveniently serves the entire surrounding region, including Toledo, Sandusky, Fremont, Tiffin, Port Clinton and more.

Visit Mayle, Ray & Mayle online at MayleRayMayle.com to learn more about their services as a divorce, separation and dissolution attorney. 

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Mayle, Ray, and Mayle LLC

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