Fathers’ Rights at Christmas
Christmas is a family time and so it is natural that you are going to want to spend it with your child or children. Unfortunately, there is no automatic legal right to see your children over the Christmas holidays, unless you have an agreement or a Court Order that says otherwise.
Divorce or separation is often an upsetting and stressful time for many families, but even more so at Christmas. You and your ex-partner will both want to spend this special time with your child or children. This means you’ll need to come to an agreement which is fair and considers your extended family as well.
In this article, we will explain parental rights over the festive period, and what to do if you cannot agree where your children will be over the festive season.
Free Initial Consultation
We understand that you’ll want to discuss your options and find out more about how we can help. We offer both appointments throughout the day and out of hours to accommodate our clients. We are happy to meet you at our offices across London, Essex or Kent. To find out more please Book Your Free Consultation, call us on 020 3753 4667 or email
Keeping it Fair
You will need to find a way where both parents can both be involved in your child’s Christmas. Whether it is an arrangement that they spend Christmas at one house and Boxing Day at the other, or maybe you agree that you will see your child every other Christmas. Whatever the arrangement is, try to make it a fair one and always remember that the child’s welfare and happiness should be at the forefront of any arrangement.
How to Resolve Child Contact Disputes
If there are disagreements regarding any aspect of contact and you cannot come to an agreement, then you could seek a Child Arrangement Order (CAO). This involves making an application to the Court, where a Judge will decide where a child should live, and when they should see each parent. A CAO can make provisions for special events such as Christmas and birthdays.
Our Children Law team can advise you on the best options in your circumstances.
Child Arrangements at Christmas
When it comes to determining how to split contact with children, there is no specific provision in law for the festive period, or indeed, any other time of year. However, it is possible to include arrangements which have been agreed between parents within a CAO.
If you already have a CAO in place and cannot come to an agreement, you can apply to the Family Court, to request for an amendment to be made.
Finding a solution for child arrangements during this time requires early planning, compromise and fairness in the interests of all concerned.
Your rights and legal options will largely depend on your personal circumstances. It is therefore vital that you get expert legal advice at the earliest opportunity. This will give you the information you need to make the best choices for you and your children, ensuring your rights as a parent and your children’s best interests are safeguarded.
Contact our Family Law Solicitors
The right solicitor changes everything. Anglo Law Solicitors provides expert legal advice on Children Matter, Family Law and Divorce proceedings.
Speak directly to a Family solicitor now on 020 3753 4667 or Book Your Free Consultation here.
We serve clients across the following areas
London areas - City of London, Aldgate, Tower Hamlets, Spitalfields, Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea, Southwark, Bishopsgate, Canary Wharf, Islington & Highbury, Angel, Belsize Park, Hampstead, Swiss Cottage, Finchley.
Essex - Chigwell, Hainult, Woodford, Epping, Chafford Hundred, Chelmsford, Brentwood, Upminster, Grays.
Kent - Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, West Malling, Maidstone, Sevenoaks.