The holidays are meant to be a time of joy and celebration. However, for parents dealing with divorce or custody arrangements, this season can quickly become one of the most stressful periods of the year. As schedules shift and emotions run high, children simply want to relish the festivities. To help families in Forney and across Kaufman County minimize conflicts during this time, InForney spoke with Robert Guest, attorney and partner at Guest and Gray Law Firm. Together, they explored common child custody issues that surface during the holidays and how parents can navigate them calmly, legally, and with the children's best interests in mind.
Understanding the Challenges of Holiday Custody
“Routines tend to disappear during the holidays,” Guest explains. “With school out, family traditions merging, and everyone vying for time with the kids, even those who co-parent effectively throughout the year can find themselves struggling.” In Texas, most custody orders come with specific provisions regarding holidays. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s are often treated differently than the regular school year schedule. Conflicts often arise when parents misunderstand their orders or make assumptions about flexibility without clear communication.
The Importance of Reviewing Custody Orders
While every custody order is unique, many Texas arrangements follow a familiar pattern. Thanksgiving is frequently alternated each year between parents, while Christmas tends to be divided into two segments, with one parent taking the first half and the other the latter half of the break. New Year’s Day may also alternate. Guest emphasizes the necessity of reviewing one’s specific court order. “One of the most significant mistakes I observe is individuals relying on memory or personal feelings of fairness instead of the actual order,” he warns. “That’s how conflicts begin.”
Proactive Legal Guidance is Key
This issue is particularly common with older orders or informal agreements. “If your order doesn’t clearly outline holiday arrangements or if it no longer suits your family, the holidays are not the time to improvise,” Guest advises. “That’s when minor disagreements can escalate into major disputes.” In such cases, seeking proactive legal advice can prevent emergency filings, police involvement, or last-minute court battles. Parents in Forney and Kaufman County can consult a family law attorney at Guest and Gray to review their custody orders and identify potential issues before they escalate. Learn more at https://www.guestandgray.com.
Flexibility Through Agreement
Yes, parents can modify a holiday schedule if both agree. Guest encourages cooperation but emphasizes the need for clear boundaries. “Agreements should be explicit, documented, and specific,” he explains. “A text message that states ‘Sure, that’s fine’ can be interpreted very differently by different people.” A written agreement safeguards both parents and ensures aligned expectations. When communication is strained or trust is low, having an attorney formalize temporary arrangements can be a prudent option.
Addressing Violations of Custody Orders
“If a parent denies holiday possession in breach of a court order, it’s a serious issue,” Guest states. “Texas courts treat custody interference with the utmost gravity.” Parents should document any violations and refrain from escalating the conflict in front of their children. Legal remedies may include enforcement actions, make-up visitation, or court sanctions. Guest and Gray regularly assist parents in Kaufman County with custody enforcement and emergency issues, especially during the holidays when emotions run high and time is limited.
Prioritizing Children's Well-Being
“Kids do not care about the legal disputes,” Guest emphasizes. “They care about feeling safe, loved, and not being caught in the middle.” He advises parents to avoid negative remarks about the other parent, maintain predictable schedules when possible, and reassure children that the holidays are not their fault or something they need to fix. When parents manage disputes calmly and legally, children can feel stability, even amidst changes in family structure.
Seeking Guidance Early
“If you are feeling anxious about the holidays, it often indicates that something needs to be addressed,” Guest notes. “A brief conversation now can avert a lengthy and painful conflict later.” Whether it's reviewing an existing custody order, negotiating a holiday schedule, or asserting parental rights, having a local attorney who understands the nuances of Kaufman County courts is invaluable. Guest and Gray Law Firm has deep roots in Forney and a long history of helping families navigate family law matters with clarity and compassion. For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit https://www.guestandgray.com.
Conclusion
“The holidays are temporary, but your children’s sense of security is lasting,” Guest concludes. “Address custody issues early, calmly, and with the right guidance. It makes all the difference.” For parents in Forney, Kaufman County, and surrounding areas, trusted legal support is readily available.
Robert Guest is an attorney and partner at Guest and Gray Law Firm in Forney, Texas. He focuses on family law and is recognized for his practical advice, steady counsel, and deep understanding of the Kaufman County courts. Guest and Gray serve clients throughout Kaufman County and the surrounding communities. For more information, visit https://www.guestandgray.com.
