What is a Utah Holiday Custody Schedule and How Does it Work?

The holidays can bring a mix of joy and stress, especially when you’re co-parenting after a separation or divorce. Figuring out drop-offs, pickups, and how to split time with the kids can make an already emotional season feel even more overwhelming.  

That’s where a child custody holiday schedule comes in. It helps everyone stay on the same page and keeps the holidays peaceful and low-stress. Without a clear plan, parents may engage in bitter arguments, with the children caught in the middle.

Let’s take a closer look at what a Utah custody holiday schedule is, how it’s typically set up, and what you should know if you’re putting one together.  

The Basics of a Utah Holiday Parent-Time Schedule

A custody holiday schedule outlines where the kids will be during holidays. It’s part of a broader parenting plan, which details how custody and visitation will work overall.

The holiday schedule takes precedence over regular parenting time. Essentially, if a holiday falls on a day that would normally belong to the other parent, the holiday schedule overrides the usual arrangement.

In Utah, custody schedules often follow standard guidelines laid out in the Utah Code § 30-3-35. These rules can apply to sole custody (where one parent has primary custody) and joint custody holiday schedules in Utah (where parents share time more evenly).  

Typical Holiday Arrangements in Utah

The state provides a basic framework for how holidays should be divided, but parents have the flexibility to make changes if they both agree. Here’s an example of how the standard holiday schedule may be structured.

1) Odd and Even Years  

Holidays are usually alternated between parents. For instance, one parent might have the kids for Christmas in odd years, while the other gets them in even years. The same pattern can apply to other major holidays like Thanksgiving, Easter, and the Fourth of July.

2) Splitting Long Holidays  

During extended holidays like Christmas, the state suggests dividing the time. You may have the kids from the start of school break until Christmas morning, while your ex takes over from Christmas morning to the rest of the holiday break.

3) Shared Holidays  

Some holidays, like Halloween, are split on the same day. If your ex gets your kids from after school until 7 p.m., you can take them for the rest of the evening.

4) School Breaks  

Summer and spring breaks are usually divided equally or alternated each year, depending on what works best for the parents and the kids.  

Factors that Influence Holiday Schedules

Although the state offers directions, not every family fits into the same mold. The court considers several factors when approving a custody holiday schedule, including:  

• Best Interests of the Child: The child’s well-being always comes first. The court wants to make sure the schedule supports the child’s emotional and physical well-being.  
• Parents’ Work Schedules: If one parent has to work on a specific holiday, it may make sense for the other parent to have the kids that day.  
• Religious or Cultural Traditions: Families might celebrate different holidays or observe unique traditions. For example, one parent may focus on Hanukkah while the other celebrates Christmas. The schedule can be adjusted to respect these traditions, so the child can experience both.  
• Distance Between Parents’ Homes: If parents live far apart, it may not be practical to split holidays like Halloween or Thanksgiving Day. Instead, they might alternate those holidays entirely.  
• Age of the Kids: Younger children may struggle with frequent transitions and do better with shorter, simpler schedules. Older kids have preferences and can benefit from a plan that allows them time with both parents in ways they want.

Setting Up a Utah Holiday Parent-Time Schedule  

If you’re creating a joint custody holiday schedule in Utah, you’ll either work with the other parent to agree on a plan or let the court decide.  

Generally, you may:  

1) Negotiate with the Other Parent  

The easiest way to handle holiday schedules is to work it out directly with the other parent. You can start by discussing the standard guidelines and adjusting them to fit your needs.  

2) Use Mediation if Needed  

If you can’t agree, Utah courts may require mediation before taking the matter to a judge. A neutral third party will help you and the other parent try to find common ground.  

3) Let the Court Decide  

Mediation is great, but it can only do so much. In case you and your ex still can’t see eye to eye, the court will step in and create a holiday schedule based on what it sees as fair and beneficial for your child. A Utah child custody lawyer can provide valuable advice to help you present a strong case in court.

4) Put it in Writing  

Once you have a plan, be sure to put it in your parenting agreement. A written schedule helps prevent misunderstandings and gives both parents a clear reference.  

Common Challenges with Holiday Schedules

Even with a solid plan, holiday schedules may bring up challenges, such as:  

1) Last-Minute Changes  

Life happens, and sometimes plans need to change. If something comes up, communicate with the other parent as soon as possible and try to find a solution that works for everyone.  

2) Blended Families  

If either parent has remarried or has stepchildren, there may be more people to consider in the holiday plans. Make sure you have extended talks with everyone to keep things smooth.  

3) Travel Issues  

If parents live in different states or cities, traveling during the holidays can be stressful. Consider planning ahead and sharing transportation responsibilities.  

4) Conflict Over Traditions  

Parents may want to keep their traditions alive, but compromises are sometimes necessary. Focus on what’s best for the kids, and try to create new traditions that everyone can enjoy.  

What If the Other Parent Doesn’t Agree with Your Holiday Schedule?

Ideally, you and the other parent will collaborate to create a child custody holiday schedule that works for both of you. However, if an agreement isn’t possible, you can still move forward on your own.  

At your custody hearing, you can submit a proposed holiday schedule that outlines what you believe is best for your children. Your ex can present their own proposed schedule as well.   

Family courts prioritize schedules that provide stable and meaningful holiday time for both parents and children. If your proposed schedule demonstrates this and serves the children’s best interests, the judge may approve it as is or make adjustments. Similarly, if the judge finds the other parent’s proposal to be more suitable, they may approve it instead.  

The Bottom Line  

With a Utah holiday parent-time schedule custody schedule, you have a predefined arrangement dictating how each parent will share time with the children. Be sure to discuss expectations, preferences, and potential challenges in advance to find solutions that work for everyone involved.  

Have questions about setting up a holiday custody schedule or need guidance for your specific situation? Contact the team at Henriksen & Henriksen today. We’re here to help you create a plan that works for your family and makes the holidays special for your kids.