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Understand Your Co-Parenting Dynamics Your custody agreement may address specific communication provisions or restrictions between your children and their other parent during visitation. If so, it is important to follow them accordingly. If the relationship between your children and their other parent is positive and healthy, maintaining communication during visitation can contribute to their overall well-being. Strive for a balance in frequency and duration that works for your children without disrupting the time they spend with you. However, if there are concerns about your ex's behavior or if communication negatively impacts your children's emotional state, it may be necessary to reassess the arrangement with a family lawyer who can provide guidance specific to your situation. Honor Your Children's Important Holiday Traditions and Celebrations When blending families, your children's needs should remain a top priority. A new marriage is a big change for children, and allowing them to keep some of the same traditions and customs may help ease the transition. "Although the family code provides standard ways to alternate the holidays, including on your child's birthday, families are not limited to those constraints. We work with our clients to help maintain a balance of embracing former traditions while allowing the opportunity to create new ones with your blended family," Harrison says. If your former spouse and current spouse have a healthy relationship, consider hosting joint celebrations for your child's birthday or even for the holidays. Use a shared calendar or co-parenting app to keep everyone informed about important dates, school events, soccer games, etc. This can help minimize last- minute changes or conflicts that may arise. Custom Solutions to Protect Your Family As you enter a new marriage relationship, it's crucial to ensure that your arrangements for parenting time and support provide the stability that your family needs to move forward on positive footing. Understand that circumstances may change over time, and what worked in the past may need adjustments. "If you need to negotiate new agreements, petition for new arrangements, enforce existing obligations with your former spouse, or if you want to protect your children with a pre-or postnuptial agreement, our experienced team of lawyers would be happy to help," Harrison says. To learn more about Calabrese Budner and their expertise, visit calabresebudner.com or call 214.939.3000. When blending families, your children's needs should remain a top priority. Britney E. Harrison is a family law attorney and partner at Calabrese Budner LLP. She is ranked among the Best Lawyers under 40 by D Magazine, named a Super Lawyer by Texas Monthly, and identified as "Ones to Watch" by Best Lawyers . 63