Going through a divorce is never easy, and the holidays can often magnify those feelings of loneliness or uncertainty—especially if it’s your first season post-divorce. While the holidays are usually portrayed as joyful and family-focused, they can feel very different when you’re adjusting to a new reality on your own.
Whether you're facing your first solo Thanksgiving or navigating a new holiday custody arrangement, it's important to know that you're not alone—and that support is available. At Owenby Law, P.A., we understand divorce's legal and emotional challenges, especially during this time of year. Here are a few resources and insights that may help you find clarity, stability, and even peace this holiday season.
Emotional Support: Healing During the Holidays
Divorce is as much an emotional process as it is a legal one. The holidays can trigger grief, anger, or even guilt—especially if you're away from your children or missing the traditions you once shared as a family. It’s okay to feel those things.
Start by permitting yourself to grieve. Creating new routines or finding comfort in small, personal traditions can offer a sense of control and purpose. Consider volunteering, traveling, or spending time with close friends or extended family. You don’t have to follow anyone else's idea of what the holidays “should” look like.
Professional support can also make a big difference. Speaking with a therapist, counselor, or joining a local divorce support group in Maryland can provide a healthy outlet for your feelings and help you process what you're going through. Emotional recovery takes time—but you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Legal Guidance: Post-Divorce Questions and Concerns
Even after your divorce is finalized, you may still have legal concerns—especially around the holidays. Questions about custody schedules, holiday visitation, child support, or modifying your divorce decree are not uncommon during this time of year.
If you share custody, now is the time to review your parenting plan. Most parenting plans include details about how holidays are divided. But if the plan isn’t working or your former spouse isn’t following the agreement, you may need legal support to address those issues.
You might also be wondering if you can modify your current arrangement. In Maryland, custody, visitation, and support orders can be modified under certain circumstances, especially if there has been a significant change in your or your child’s life. An experienced family law attorney can review your case and help you understand your options moving forward.
If you’re struggling with compliance, need help enforcing an order, or have concerns about your legal rights as a co-parent, seeking guidance before problems escalate can help avoid further stress during the holidays.
Building a New Chapter
Spending the holidays alone after a divorce can feel like a harsh reminder of what’s changed. But it’s also a chance to begin again. This season might not look like the ones from your past—but that doesn’t mean it can’t hold meaning, peace, or even joy.
Focus on your well-being, connect with people who support you, and plan for your future. If you have children, this is also an opportunity to model resilience and compassion for them as they adjust to new traditions.
Jacksonville Divorce Lawyer
At Owenby Law, P.A., we’ve helped countless individuals in Maryland and beyond rebuild their lives after divorce. Whether you're dealing with post-divorce custody issues, want to modify an order, or simply need guidance on your next legal step, our team is here to support you with compassion and clarity. Contact us today at (904) 770-3141 to get started.