The holidays can be emotionally loaded for any family, and that pressure often intensifies for parents who are newly separated or divorced. In this CityNews segment, Laura Paris, Associate Lawyer at Shulman & Partners LLP, spoke about a common seasonal flashpoint for co-parents in Toronto and across Ontario: holiday parenting schedules. She explained that many parents are calling with questions about how to divide key dates, and how to do that in a way that still respects public health rules and minimizes conflict. Her comments are a reminder that holiday plans are not just about logistics. They can shape how secure and supported children feel during a major transition, especially in a pandemic.
“Both parents have gotten accustomed to spending the holidays with their kids, and they want to continue that post-separation. So often you find disputes over certain dates, whether it be Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day.”
— Laura Paris, Associate Lawyer, Shulman & Partners LLP
Laura focused on what she is seeing from families heading into the holiday season after a separation. She noted that many co-parents reach out because they are unsure how to handle holiday access and parenting time, especially when this may be the first year the family is celebrating apart. The biggest issues tend to be predictable but still difficult: deciding who has the children on the most meaningful days, such as Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. Because these dates carry tradition and emotion, disagreements can escalate quickly.
Laura explained that planning is even more complicated during a pandemic because families are trying to align parenting schedules with government protocols and restrictions. When parents hold different views about following public health guidance, conflict can become entrenched. Laura’s practical point was that if parents put the decision to a court, the parent who is following government protocols is more likely to be successful. In other words, if parents want more control over the outcome, it is usually better to work toward a workable plan together rather than letting a judge decide.
Her comments also highlighted a child-centered goal that can get lost in holiday disputes: children benefit from spending holiday time with both parents. That does not necessarily mean a perfectly equal split on every date, but it does mean approaching the schedule with a focus on stability and the child’s experience, not simply “winning” a particular day. Laura emphasized the value of finding a solution that works for everyone and is in the best interests of the children.
Overall, the takeaway is that early, realistic planning can reduce last-minute conflict. Clear agreements on holiday dates, and a shared understanding of how public health guidance will be followed, can help co-parents avoid turning a special time of year into a stressful legal dispute.
Watch the full CityNews segment here.
This media appearance is part of Shulman & Partners LLP’s ongoing contributions to Canadian family law discussions. Explore more of our media features in our In the Media archive.