Pandemic safety issues have introduced a new level of complexity.
Watch: Ask A Lawyer – Separation, family visits and the holidays
Legal Aid Alberta staff family lawyer Jessica Chapman advises parents to approach planning with kindness and to be flexible.
“We’ve learned a lot about how to manage social situations more safely,” she said. “Technology has allowed us to reach so many relatives during the holidays – we can use it to stay connected in a different way.”
When planning in-person gatherings, parents need to share information.
“We do suggest that co-parents continue sharing information about activities including who you have planned unmasked indoor gatherings with, and to be open about what the potential risks are and be open to listening to the other parent,” Chapman said.
“Regardless of what kind of relationship you have with the other parent, you don’t want your child to be at risk of losing someone in their family. It’s not about convenience.”