What disputes will co-parents be facing this Christmas?

Many families will be looking forward spending quality time with their loved ones this Christmas, but disagreements over festive plans, financial pressure and legal issues are set to cause tension for many co-parents across the UK.

In a recent survey by Slater and Gordon, nearly one in five separated parents admitted they had experienced a legal dispute over holiday arrangements in the past, with 19 per cent saying they have experienced multiple disputes.

For 38 per cent, they anticipated disagreements arising from lack of communication or cooperation from their co-parent, whereas 37 per cent said disputes were down to last minute change of plans and changes to usual routines.

During the festive season, in addition to the emotional challenges separated families have to negotiate, there is also financial stress. 80 per cent of respondents found the summer holiday period stressful, with 32 per cent reporting it as extremely stressful with pressures around holiday activities, children’s entertainment and day to day costs.

In anticipation of the Christmas holidays, there is no doubt that this pressure will be felt even further with Christmas gifting, parties and festive activities. With any last-minute changes to plans, 59 per cent of parents report that this does comes with a cost.

When separated parents face such challenges over the holidays, 40 per cent are left feeling frustrated, 32 per cent feeling exhausted and 30 per cent feeling anxious. However, Slater and Gordon encourages co-parents that with the right support, common ground can be reached during these difficult moments.

Senior associate and family solicitor Andrew Ormrod says: “During the cost-of-living crisis, there is no doubt that financial pressure will particularly be felt during Christmas, perhaps especially so for co-parents or single parent households. However, there are ways to lessen these financial pressures felt between both parties and allow for separated families to still enjoy the Christmas period.

“Communication is key between both parties, from planning ahead before the Christmas holidays and making plans for during the Christmas period to keep things organised. It can be a very busy time, therefore openness and willingness to compromise is essential.

“In hand with this, setting financial boundaries can also be beneficial to ensure that both parents are spending similar, fair and comfortable amounts towards their children. This allows both parents to feel like they are contributing without the feeling of financial pressure.

“Ultimately, it is a shared priority for both parents to enable their children to enjoy time with both households and understand what their needs are during the holidays. Their wellbeing should be at the centre of all decisions.”