18 December 2025
Co-parenting at Christmas (and what it means in family law)
"Co-parenting” isn’t a legal term — it’s simply how separated parents work together to raise their child. At Christmas, plans can feel higher-stakes (traditions, emotions, school holidays), so the key is to plan early, communicate clearly, and keep decisions child-focused. If there’s a dispute, the court’s priority is always the child’s best interests.
Common festive arrangements include:
- Alternating Christmas Day each year
- Christmas Day/Boxing Day split
- Splitting the day (morning/afternoon)
- Dividing the holidays (Christmas week vs New Year week)
If you can’t agree, mediation can help keep things practical and calm — with legal advice if needed. Court is usually a last resort and can take time.
Gifts tip: agree a budget, avoid “one-upping,” and consider a joint gift labelled from “Mum & Dad.”
When you’re buying or selling a home, it’s completely normal to shop around and compare quotes. But it’s worth remembering that with conveyancing, the cheapest price isn’t always the cheapest overall. Sometimes low quotes don’t include everything, and extra costs can appear later for things like lender work, admin fees, or additional checks. And of course, conveyancing isn’t just “paperwork” , it’s making sure everything is legally sound, raising the right enquiries, and helping your move go through as smoothly as possible. A good conveyancer should keep you updated, explain things clearly, and help avoid delays where possible. If you want straightforward advice and transparent fees, we’re always happy to chat.
When Financial Expert, Martin Lewis was asked, "Martin, if you had to prioritise, which would you sort first: Will/ Power of Attorney, or pensions/tax/inheritance? And why?", Martin responded saying Lasting Powers of Attorneys, because they are particularly vital in avoiding a catastrophic scenario.” Martin went on to say, “ Power of Attorney says if I were to lose my faculties, then I will nominate other people who can look after my finances and my health and wellbeing for me. I've had a Power of Attorney for 15 years even though I've got no foreseeability of losing my faculties." He continued: "If you don't have a Power of Attorney in place, and you were to have an accident tomorrow so you couldn't look after yourself with your faculties gone, or a severe stroke, and you're a young person-because people think it's only for old people, it's not-then it is frankly a nightmare to go through the process of someone else trying to take over your finances. Meanwhile, they may not be able to pay your mortgage for you, or pay for any treatments for you, or pay for anything you need. Read the full article here - Daily Express If you would like Lasting Powers of Attorney, our experts at Marshall Hall Levy can assist. Just call us on 0191 455 3181 to set up an appointment today. Office of Public Guardian fees and Solicitor fees apply
We are very proud to be on the panel of solicitors for the National Free Wills Network. If you contact NFWN online, you’ll receive a unique code to bring to your appointment with your chosen solicitor. We then prepare your Will, with NFWN contributing towards the cost of a basic Will so there’s nothing for you to pay, unless you choose something more complex or an additional service. There’s no obligation to leave a gift in your Will, although many people do, from small sums to larger gifts, as a way of supporting charity. It’s just one of the ways MHL is proud to help make a positive difference.
