Holiday parenting schedules can become difficult when travel plans, family events, work schedules, or a child's needs change. For Phoenix parents who share parenting time under an Arizona court order, it is important to understand whether a holiday schedule can be changed by agreement or requires court approval.
If you are facing a disagreement over holiday parenting time, contact Faussette & Faussette, PLLC via the online contact form or call (602) 905-2833 to discuss your situation and explore your options.
What Does a Holiday Parenting Schedule Mean?
In Arizona, a parenting plan generally includes a schedule for when each parent spends time with the child. This schedule can include regular parenting time, holidays, school vacations, exchanges, and transportation arrangements. Arizona law specifically requires parenting plans to include a practical schedule covering holidays and school vacations.
For parents in Phoenix and throughout Maricopa County, the holiday schedule may be part of a divorce decree, parenting plan, or other court order. That document should be reviewed before making changes.
Can Parents Agree to a Change in the Holiday Schedule?
Parents can sometimes agree between themselves to adjust their plans for a particular holiday. For example, parents might agree that one parent will have the child for Thanksgiving morning while the other parent has Thanksgiving afternoon.
A voluntary agreement can make sense when both parents are comfortable with the change. However, parents should be careful not to treat an informal agreement as a permanent change to a court order.
Consider:
- Put the agreement in writing.
- Clearly state the dates and exchange times.
- Keep records of the agreement and communications.
- Follow the existing court order if no agreement is reached.
An agreement for one holiday does not necessarily change the underlying parenting plan.
What If One Parent Wants to Change the Schedule?
The situation is different when one parent wants to change the holiday schedule, and the other parent does not agree. A parent generally should not simply decide that the existing court-ordered schedule no longer applies.
Arizona law provides procedures for modifying parenting time. The court may modify parenting time when the change is in the child's best interests, subject to the requirements that apply to the particular request.
Arizona parenting plans may also include a process for resolving disagreements, including mediation or other dispute-resolution methods.
What Happens If a Parent Ignores the Holiday Order?
If a parent refuses to follow a court-ordered parenting schedule without good cause, the other parent may have legal remedies. Arizona law allows a court to address violations of parenting-time orders. It may provide remedies such as make-up parenting time, mediation, parent education, or other orders.
That does not mean every scheduling disagreement should immediately become a court fight. Reviewing the order and understanding the available options can help parents decide how to proceed.
How Can Parents Handle Holiday Changes?
Try to address holiday changes before the holiday arrives. Clear communication can reduce confusion about transportation, pickup times, overnight stays, and family events.
If you and the other parent agree, document the arrangement carefully. If you cannot agree, review your parenting plan and consider seeking legal guidance before making any changes.
For Phoenix parents who need help with child custody and parenting time, understanding the terms of the existing order is an important first step.
Get Help With Holiday Parenting Time in Phoenix
Holiday parenting schedules can become complicated, particularly when parents have different plans or disagree about what the existing order requires. A careful review of your parenting plan can help you understand your responsibilities and possible options.
If you have questions about changing, enforcing, or modifying parenting time in Phoenix or elsewhere in Arizona, contact Faussette & Faussette, PLLC at (602) 905-2833 to discuss your circumstances and learn more about the legal options available to your family.