Halloween will be here sooner than you think. The advertisements from Party City and displays in Wal-Mart and Target should be classic indicators. If you are experiencing difficulties deciding where (or whether) your child will go Trick-or-Treating because of how difficult the other parent is being, you can take solace in knowing that there are a number of ways to resolve a dispute without setting foot in a courtroom. This post will highlight a few of them.
Multiple Trick-or-Treat adventures – It is not unheard of for kids of divorced and/or separated parents to have more than one Trick-or-Treat expeditions. Essentially, one parent can take the child to a mall or shopping center where they offer treats for kids at each store, while the other parent can take the child through the neighborhood on Halloween night.
Alternate holidays or vacation dates – You may not celebrate Halloween because of your religious beliefs, but children only see the fun in this holiday. As such, you may offer to switch parenting time or dates so your child can enjoy the fun.
Mediation – This is where a neutral third party will listen to both parties concerns and work with them to reach a mutually agreed upon resolution. Of course, both parties must agree to this process before it can occur.
Parenting Time Consultant – This person is usually appointed by the court to review your custody and parenting time order and help resolve questions that lead to disputes and further litigation .
Regardless of the path to a solution, parents should know that a child’s well-being should be a priority.