This is the next post in my series on the issue of holiday visitation in Las Vegas child custody cases. My last article provided an overview of topics which this series will be addressing. It also stressed the need to speak with an attorney if you are having a disagreement with your ex. Unfortunately, many parents take matters into their own hands and engage in “self help.” This can often make matters worse. Counsel can help you to understand your options and can help ensure that you take the appropriate course of action. In this article I will discuss an important topic – how the Clark County Family Court typically handles holiday visitation. If you are in need of assistance then contact my office today to speak with a child custody lawyer.
When the parents cannot agree on a visitation schedule, then Family Court Judges will often take an “every other year” approach to holiday visitation. This means, for example, that one parent may have the child for Christmas in even numbered years while the other parent may have the child in odd numbered years. To ensure that the child is having adequate holiday time with each parent, the Court will often split each year’s holidays. This, for example, means that if a parent has the child for Thanksgiving in even numbered years then they will likely have Christmas in odd-numbered years. Additionally, in order to avoid confusion or conflict, the Court will often specifically define the beginning and end of a holiday. This means that a child custody order may dictate that Christmas visitation begins at a certain time and also ends on a certain time. It is important to understand that how the Court will rule, in any given situation, will always depend on the specific facts of the case.
It is strongly suggested that you try to work with your ex to develop a holiday visitation schedule that fits both of your lives. The Court will not understand your situation better than you do and, if you choose to litigate the matter, then there is a chance that the Court will issue a ruling that neither side is happy with. Such a ruling may result in inconveniences to your schedules and, more importantly, a less happy holiday season for the child. By resolving the issue of holiday visitation, even if you cannot resolve our broader disputes, you save yourselves and the child a great deal of grief.
If you are going through a holiday visitation dispute then contact my office today to speak with a Las Vegas child custody lawyer. I devote my practice to the handlings of domestic relations law and we pride ourselves on providing the highest levels of service. Call today to schedule an initial consultation.
