Family Law and Better Angels During the Holidays

On Behalf of | Dec 11, 2014 | Family Law

Tonight’s post was written by our Savannah family law attorney, David Purvis.

With Christmas fast approaching, the holiday season is in full swing. As family law attorneys, the holidays are always busy and we have a front row seat to see the some of the very best and some of the very worst in people when it comes time to execute Parenting Plans for visitation with the minor children over the holidays.

The very worst? The parent who refuses court ordered visitation during Christmas for the non-custodial parent. The parent who makes unreasonable demands in changing the pick-up and drop-off location, the dates, the times, etc. The parent who looks for a fight over “the principle of the matter”, regardless of the costs, both financially and emotionally. The parent who overlooks that the holiday season should really be focused on the children and the memories the children have.

The very best? The parents who find their “inner Grinch”. The parent who takes the high road in ensuring that the holiday season is as enjoyable as possible for their children, themselves and even, dare I say it, their ex. The parent who listens to their better angels when their ex tries to bait them into yet another argument over something that during the other 10 months of the year would not matter but with Santa Clause coming to town becomes of dire importance. The parent who sets the example for their children and the parent those children will replicate when they have their own children. The parent who can take what can be a very stressful time of year and not allow it to be stressful for the children.

As a family law attorney, my job during the holiday season is to help my clients find their better angels and to assist them as they work through their struggles when their ex has pushed all their buttons, hoping to bring out their very worst.

So, keep your buttons to yourself. Listen to your better angels. 

Happy Holidays

David Purvis

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