With school breaks, holiday gatherings, and summer travel on the horizon, many divorced or divorcing parents find themselves facing one of the most emotionally complex and legally sensitive aspects of post-divorce life: vacation and holiday custody schedules. Children First Family Law, a Colorado-based firm devoted exclusively to child-focused divorce and custody representation, has released a timely and practical online guide to help families navigate this challenge. The new article, “Vacation and Holiday Custody Schedules: Making It Work After Divorce,” is now available on the firm’s website and offers vital insight for parents seeking to avoid conflict and confusion during high-stakes times of the year.
Custody schedules involving holidays and school breaks are often among the most contentious aspects of a parenting plan. Yet, as the firm emphasizes, these moments are also where children are most vulnerable to stress, disappointment, and conflict between parents. The article makes it clear that courts in Colorado expect parents to plan ahead, communicate clearly, and prioritize the best interests of the child—standards that are not just legal obligations but essential tools for protecting children’s emotional well-being during special occasions.
Children First Family Law draws on extensive experience representing Colorado families in crafting parenting plans that are both legally sound and emotionally sustainable. In the new guide, the firm highlights that many parenting plans are built around alternating holidays annually, but that this approach alone is not a cure-all. Parents are urged to anticipate potential gray areas, such as travel logistics, extended family involvement, or religious celebrations that fall outside of standard holidays. Without clear language in a custody order, even well-meaning parents can find themselves in disagreement when interpreting who gets which days, how exchanges will be handled, or what happens if travel delays occur. The article emphasizes that detailed, proactive planning is key to minimizing disruption.
The firm also addresses the need for flexibility. Although legal agreements establish the framework, real life—especially with children—involves change. One parent may have extended family out of state, while another may have to work holidays. The guide encourages parents to approach negotiations with a willingness to compromise and to understand that the goal is not to “win” holiday time but to preserve the joy of these moments for the children. When parents work cooperatively, the result is often more meaningful time spent with both sides of the family across the year, rather than rigid enforcement that creates tension.
Children First Family Law points out that poorly planned or ambiguous holiday schedules can result in emergency filings, last-minute disputes, and even long-term damage to co-parenting relationships. These outcomes are avoidable, and the guide serves as a reminder that attorneys who understand the practical realities of parenting after divorce—not just the legal technicalities—can make a substantial difference in a family’s day-to-day life. The firm regularly helps parents revise or clarify existing custody orders to reflect evolving family needs, including accommodating blended families, changing school calendars, or growing children’s preferences.
Another key point made in the guide is the importance of documenting any agreements made outside of court orders. Verbal understandings often unravel in the face of misunderstanding or miscommunication. Parents are encouraged to use written agreements or parenting apps to keep records of any temporary adjustments to custody schedules. This protects both parents and ensures that future disputes can be resolved more efficiently. The firm notes that when written records exist, courts are more likely to enforce those terms if disagreements arise later.
For reporters covering family law, divorce litigation, or custody trends in Colorado, the insights provided by Children First Family Law offer an essential legal perspective grounded in daily practice. The firm’s attorneys are available to speak about common custody pitfalls, how parenting plans are developed or modified in court, and the importance of centering the child’s experience in post-divorce planning. With holidays and school breaks triggering increased conflict in family court, this issue remains both relevant and underreported.
“Vacation and Holiday Custody Schedules: Making It Work After Divorce” is available now at Children First Family Law’s website. The firm encourages families, legal professionals, and media outlets to review and share the resource as part of an ongoing effort to support healthy co-parenting and reduce litigation when possible.
