Holidays and special occasions such as birthdays, Christmas, Eid, Diwali, can carry emotional weight for families. During proceedings, they can also be flashpoints. With planning and sensitivity, parents can protect the child’s experience and demonstrate to the court that celebrations can be managed safely.
Planning holidays during proceedings
Begin with a realistic plan. If contact is supervised or supported, discuss availability with the centre early and propose child‑centred activities that fit the session length. For unsupervised time, offer clear handover locations, timings, and contingency plans for travel or bad weather. Keep proposals proportionate to the stage of the case and build in review points.
Consider the child’s developmental stage. Younger children benefit from short, structured activities and familiar routines; older children may enjoy choosing a simple plan with you. Avoid over‑programming or high‑stakes outings that add pressure. Where faith or cultural celebrations are involved, communicate respectfully and share information so the child can participate meaningfully without conflict.
If there are allegations, demonstrate insight by proposing safeguards: public venues, third‑party handovers, and a commitment to neutral communication. Confirm that adult disputes and court matters will not be discussed, and that photographs or social media posts will be limited or avoided to protect the child’s privacy. Managing holidays during proceedings successfully builds a foundation for longer-term arrangements.
After the event, a short, neutral update to the other parent, or a note in your contact diary, helps build trust. If celebrations go well, suggest gradual extensions consistent with the child’s welfare. Over time, steady, well‑run occasions can help the court see that safe parenting is embedded, not episodic. In the longer term any set routines for special occasions are likely to be detailed in a final court order.
How we can help
Emma Riding is a Senior Associate in our Family Law team, specialising in working with clients to resolve issues relating to divorce and separation, including finance and private children’s arrangements.
If you need advice on any family law-related matter, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss your circumstances in more detail and give you more information about the services that our family law solicitors can provide along with details of our hourly rates and fixed fee services.
Please call Emma or another member of our team in Derby, Leicester or Nottingham on 0800 024 1976 or contact us via our online form.
Contact usIf this article relates to a specific case/cases, please note that the facts of this case/cases are correct at the time of writing.