CCDG Attorney Eisenberg on Divorce & Holidays: Collaborative Can Be Especially Effective for Interfaith Families

In normal circumstances, separating or divorcing families face new and daunting challenges during the holidays. This year is even more complicated. When it comes to divorce and the holiday season, consider how a Collaborative Divorce may be be particularly effective for families, children and the parents who may be alone.  

“The collaborative process can be especially effective for interfaith families in the development of a parenting plan for the holidays. With the emphasis on interest-based negotiation and with the assistance of a mental health professional who serves as coach, parents can work out a holiday schedule that allows children to be able to celebrate multi-faith holidays with their parents and extended families.
In contrast, litigated cases allow parents to act out their vindictiveness toward each other, even in the negotiation of a holiday schedule. For example, in one of my pending litigated custody cases, the mother, who is Christian, objects to the father, who was raised in a Jewish-Christian household, having parenting time on Chanukah and Passover. If mother does not concede, the issue will be tried before a judge — at significant cost in time to the court and in legal fees to the parties.”
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