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Pa ge 3 6 T hu rs da y, D ec em be r 1 1, 2 01 4 - T he IF P - H al to n H ill s - w w w .th ei fp .c a I would like to have time with my two children, aged 4 and 6 years, over the Christmas holidays. I don't want to get into an argument with my ex-spouse about it, so what would be a fair arrangement? ASK THE PROFESSIONAL If you have a SeparationAgreement or a court Order, you should first review it to see if there is a parenting schedule. Absent any parenting schedule, you should review your family and work schedules over the holidays to determine if you are both off work at the same or different times and try to work around those schedules while being fair to both of you. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day are often divided so that one parent has the care of the children on Christmas Eve, after they have work, until approximately 1:00 p.m. on Christmas Day and the other parent has from 1:00 p.m. on Christmas Day until after dinner on Boxing Day. The next year the schedule is reversed. It might make a difference if one parent always celebrates on Christmas Eve or Boxing Day with their family and friends. You should try to accommodate that schedule so that your children can take advantage of seeing their extended family. For instance, if you celebrate Christmas Eve each year with family, then in one year you might have the children from early afternoon on Christmas Eve until 1:00 p.m. on Christmas Day but the next year have the children on Christmas Eve from early afternoon until later that evening. In that year you may also have the children on Boxing Day. In that way, both parents have the children in alternate years on Christmas morning which is an important time for children. You can either make special arrangements for NewYears Eve and NewYears Day by having the children in alternate years or dividing the time between those 2 days. The balance of the Christmas school holidays may be split equally but often depends on the work schedules of the parents. If one parent isn't available then the children should be with the parent who isn't working.You can also agree to follow the regular parenting schedule for the balance of the holidays. The most important thing to remember is that this is an important time for children and you want their memories to be happy ones, so refrain from getting into arguments, particularly in the presence of the children. HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EVERYONE!! 350 Rutherford Rd. South Plaza II Suite 320 Brampton, Ontario, L6W 4N6 Telephone (905) 455-6677 Fax (905) 455-6724 E-mail ssplaw@on.aibn.com www.susanspowell.com Susan S. Powell, B.A., LL.B. Barrister & Solicitor The advice offered in this column is intended for informational purposes only. Use of this column is not intended to replace or substitute any professional, financial, medical, legal, or other professional advice. We work for you. FAmILy LAwlegal matters Q A S ig n U p N o w ! Year round soccer program for kids 18 months to 7th birthday CONTINUOUS ENROLLMENT - START ANY TIME DECEMBER PROMOTION! 15 weeks for the price of 12 or 7 for the price of 6 WHILE SPACE IS AVAILABLE Now accepting registrations for December or January start dates. Georgetown classes at St. George's Anglican Church, 60 Guelph Street For details and to register: www.littlekickers.ca • 416-826-9026 • milton@littlekickers.ca 68 - 78 Main St., Georgetown 905-873-9256 146 Mill St. E., Acton 519-853-0440 www.peekabookid.com Video Over Internet Subsidized spaces available for qualified ACTON SKATING CLUBACTO N S KATING CLU BAC TO N S KATING CLU B CLCCCCLLLL CTCCCCTTT In-person registration December 4, 8 & 11th 6-8pm, Acton Arena. Detailed information, fees, and online registration at:Detailed rIn-person ArActon -8pm, 611th & 8 4, December egistration ena. at:registration online and fees, information, Detailed wwwwwwwww.www.actonskatingclub.com.com.com.com.com.com Learn to Skate in Halton Hills Now registering for Learn to Skate & Power Skate 10-week January-March Programs NEWS ACTON ROTARY WINE & CHEESE: Left Photo-- Heritage Acton members Betty McDowall, Kathy Sanford and Kathleen Dills receive a donation cheque of $7,500 from Robert Bedard on behalf of the Rotary Club of Acton. Right photo-- Bill Sanford of the Acton Rotary (left) presents the Commu- nity Champion Award to Real Tetrault during the Acton Rotary Wine and Cheese evening held at the Acton Town Hall Centre. Photos by Ray Lavender280 Guelph St. Georgetown • 905-877-7719 CAFE • BAKERY • CATERING • PREPARED MEALS DINE IN Deli Meats & Cheeses TAKE OUT NOW LICENCED by the AGCO For your Holid ay Needs... Christmas Cater ing Gift Baskets Gift Cards TERING • PREP DINING ROO MSERVICE Full Dinner M enu Available Mon-Fri Afte r 6pm. Open until 1 0 pm Thurs & Fri New