• In general, the New Jersey courts encourage parents to try and work out a holiday visitation schedule without proceeding to a hearing.

• The court will mainly focus on the best interests of the child and will value the child’s input if they are old and mature enough.

• Contact our firm at 201-488-1825 to set up a free consultation with our family law team!

Our family law attorneys want to make sure that you are familiar with your visitation rights during this unprecedented holiday season.

NJ Holiday Visitation Procedures and Schedule

If one parent has sole physical custody of the children, the state of New Jersey will award visitation rights to the non-custodial parent, unless it is contrary to the best interests of the child.  In a regular week, sole physical custody is defined as the child spending less than two overnights per week with the non-custodial parent.  Keep in mind that this overnight schedule is determined by the courts as a last resort.  The New Jersey courts encourage you and your former spouse to come up with a parenting time arrangement that works for both of you and the children this holiday season.

If you and your former spouse are unable to fashion an agreement on your own, the New Jersey courts may appoint the following visitation schedule for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays:

Christmas Eve, December 24^th 6:00PM to Christmas Day, December 25^th, 12:00PM

Mother odd years, father even years

Christmas Day, December 25^th 12:00PM to December 26^th, 6:00PM

Mother even years, father odd years

New Year’s Eve, December 31^st 6:00PM to New Year’s Day, January 1^st 12:00PM

Mother odd years, father even years

New Year’s Day, 12:00PM to 6:00PM

Mother odd years, father even years

Our family law attorneys know that each parent plays an important role in the life of their child, and we’re determined to help you come up with a fair visitation schedule and avoid the hassle of a trial.  We look forward to working with you!