Christmas may seem a long way away but if you have not yet made the arrangments with your ex partner for contact with your children you should start to discuss the arrangements now.

Many separated couples are able to agree the arrangements for the absent parent to have contact with their children on a regular basis throughout the year and the specific arrangements for contact over the Christmas and New Year period.

Unfortunately some separated parents are unable to agree the pattern of contact and if you are one who has yet to firm up the arrangements over Christmas you must start thinking about it now.  Leaving it to December can be too late especially if court proceedings are necessary.

If you want contact with your children over Christmas and your ex partner says no or is offering less contact than you would like you should seek legal advice.

The first step is always