We had been waiting a number of months for the beginning of trial in a somewhat complex case.
Once the courtroom doors opened, it became apparent we were not going to be alone. Three cases, lawyers included, not listed on the Court’s posted calendar, waltzed in. The attorney representing my client’s husband looked at me and rolled his eyes. It was, of course, October 31.
We sat there for 90 minutes, listening to multiple cases, each of which claimed a need for immediate, emergency orders because the parents disagreed about their children’s plans for Halloween! I wondered how much candy could have been purchased by what these people spent in attorney fees.
An experienced, practical judge denied every request. The arrival of October 31 was not so unpredictable that the parents could not have exchanged plans for this event in advance, and worked out a compromise.
But wait a second, do we not have the “winter break” upcoming? Will there be another rush to the courthouse seeking emergency orders because parents have not resolved any disagreement over sharing Christmas? For most, this season is one of religious significance but beyond that, it is a season of great fun for our children. Imagine a child, excited about Christmas, but stressed out about the conversation between his/her parents battling over the arrangements. Who needs to worry about the Grinch?!
This is the time of year when responsible parents who are within a divorce case (or have completed the process) look at not only upcoming special events, but what they have planned for all of next year. Co-parenting with someone who has hurt you is not easy, but that must be set aside to fulfill your obligation to your children to be loving parents. Your children did not ask to be “divorced” from either of you.
Hopefully, you have in place an appropriate agreement for the upcoming vacation period. If you do, your children thank you. Remember, these plans must be reviewed as each year goes by because a perfect plan for an eight-year-old is highly unlikely to work for a 12 year-old.
A failed marriage leaves a bad taste, however, it is a poor excuse for parents’ failure to co-parent their children to become healthy, educated and happy adults.
For more information about support and other family law matters, contact the Reape-Rickett Law Firm at 661-288-1000. They are located at 25152 Springfield Court, Suite 100 in Valencia.