This time of year is hectic in the best of times. Office parties, trips, family get togethers, presents, all of it keeps us busy. That might be a good thing in this climate, helps us forget the short days, darkness, increasing cold and snow, the start of winter is a good time for most of us to be distracted.

Nothing can turn a busy and fun holiday season into a real nightmare like a holiday parenting time dispute with the other parent of your children. I have been involved in many of those issues on behalf of my clients, believe me, you do not want to be there.

How do you stay out of a legal fight over Christmas, or any other holiday?

Good communication with the other side, talk about the schedule in advance.

Be willing to compromise, many disputes come from small disagreements, an hour or two here or there, who will drive a few extra miles. Small issues like that are never worth a legal fight.

Sometimes you do your best to avoid the fight, but it still happens. If so, get into court as soon as you can, the legal system is slow, whatever happens you want to get a decision before the holiday.

Hope your holidays are fun, and dispute free.