My son is currently on remand waiting trial. We have had a really tricky time over the last year learning about some of the things that he has been doing, but we want to make sure that we support him through the trial so that he can get a fair process. Having family on your side can help the prisoners to have an easier time at trial and can often help the lawyers to provide the strongest possible defence in court. This blog explains how family members can help to make sure that legal process goes smoothly and that the lawyers get all of the resources that they need.
Christmas marks the beginning of the summer holidays for Australian children, and this time of year is particularly difficult for newly separated families. The season brings with it plenty of emotion, and as someone who is facing their first Christmas as a separated parent, you wonder how you are going to get through this period without major stress or conflict. Here are three tips to help you get through the upcoming summer holidays without having a major clash with your estranged spouse.
1. Follow Parenting Orders
Parenting orders are designed so that both parents get equal time with the kids. Whether you agree with the contents of the parenting order or not, it is a legal ruling which you are obliged to follow. If you feel that you want to change the parenting order for next year, then make an appointment with your local family lawyer to discuss your options after the Christmas break is over. Breaking the parenting order at this time of year only leads to a lot of conflict and unhappiness on all fronts.
2. Be Kind
As previously mentioned, emotions are high this time of year, and it is easy to voice those frustrations in front of your children. However, your children are already feeling the effects of not having both parents in the same home this Christmas, so before you speak in anger, consider changing those thoughts to ones which are more kind. You don't have to love your ex-spouse anymore, but you don't need to badmouth them in front of your children either. If your spouse chooses to badmouth you in front of the kids, take notes and pass these to your lawyer in the new year so that conflict can be addressed civilly away from the kids.
3. Discuss Gifts With Your Ex-Spouse
Sometimes, especially in the early days of separation, parents try to outdo each other with the amount they spend on the children's Christmas gifts. However, if one parent is not working, then there is an unfair balance and sense of competition created. Rather than enter into this cycle of competitiveness, discuss Christmas gifts and dollar amounts with your ex in advance. If you are unable to have a civil face-to-face discussion, then create the conversation via email. Don't feel pressured to compete if you cannot afford to.
The end-of-year holiday break is a time to de-stress and enjoy your time with the family. Make a list of things you want to discuss with your family law office in the new year, and until then try to enjoy this very special time of year.
Share2 December 2018
