Children’s birthdays and how to handle them once parents are divorced is a common problem that our firm as specialist Family Lawyers often confronts. Children’s birthday parties after divorce and also the early stages of divorce are extremely emotional. Understandably people are vulnerable and are often unsure how things work now that they are no longer together. With our experience and support, children’s birthdays will be an enjoyable event for all.
Children’s birthdays and children’s birthday parties after divorce must be about your child. Their birthday cake, their candles, their friend , their presents and their party. Remembering this will hold you in good stead for the future parenting of your children.
Sharing the birthday together now that you are separated
If you are able to spend time together without awkwardness, distress or conflict then it recommended that birthdays can be shared with both parents being present. This does require parents to focus on their children’s enjoyment and not on their own needs and concerns, not always an easy thing to do especially if you are newly separated or you have not gotten over the pain of the separation.
Drafting Orders about Children’s birthdays
A solution for parents who are not able to spend time together and yet still want their child to see both of their parents on their special day, is to draft Orders that allow the parent with whom the child is not living with or spending time with on the birthday special time. For example, if the child’s birthday falls during the school day, then the child can spend a few hours with their parent from after school to meet with their extended family and friends and cut a cake and open birthday presents. This way the birthday day is shared between the parents.
Sometimes parents can choose to skype or call their child on their birthday and celebrate the child’s birthday on the next occasion they see them.
Drafting Orders about Parent birthdays
Where parents have a relatively harmonious relationship, then Orders can be drafted where the celebration of parent’s birthdays can be included. Unfortunately, where there is high conflict and little co -operation between parents then Orders about parent’s birthdays are often left out of parenting Orders.
We are a specialist Family Law firm that offers our client realistic, practical and pragmatic advice. For more information, please contact us on 02 8999 1800 or info@cominoslawyers.com.au