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As the holiday season begins and the year draws to a close, most families are focused on traditions, travel, and time together. But for those going through a divorce or navigating custody changes, November and December can bring a unique mix of emotional, legal, and financial complexity.
At Harris, Hunt & Derr, P.A., we understand that year-end is not just about closing the calendar—it’s about setting the stage for a stronger start to the new year. Here’s why now is a critical time to assess your legal and financial position—and how to take proactive steps before 2026 begins.
Why November Matters: Timing Is Strategic
The last two months of the year often bring:
- Year-end bonuses or asset fluctuations
- Holiday parenting schedules and travel plans
- Court calendar slowdowns and procedural delays
- Impending tax-year cutoffs
All of these can significantly impact high-asset divorce cases, custody arrangements, and long-term support agreements. Taking action now—not in January—can help you preserve your rights and avoid last-minute disputes or missed opportunities.
Your Year-End Legal & Financial Checklist
Here are key areas to review before the year ends:
1. Support Agreements (Alimony & Child Support)
Income often changes at year-end due to bonuses, raises and/or commission payments. This can impact the calculation of spousal or child support.
2. Parenting Plans & Holiday Schedules
Holidays are already stressful—don't let unclear custody arrangements make it worse. Confirm your holiday time-sharing schedule now, especially if travel plans are being made.
Common conflicts: Thanksgiving timesharing, winter break splits, out-of-state holiday travel, and swapping of weekends with intervening holidays/breaks.
3. Tax Planning and Filing Strategy
Divorce has major tax consequences—especially when finalizing in December versus January. Who gets to claim the children? Who files as head of household? How should we file our taxes?
Pro tip: Coordinate with your accountant and attorney to choose the most advantageous timing for finalizing your divorce.
4. Estate Planning Updates
Divorce is a natural trigger for updating estate documents—wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and beneficiary designations. Waiting until next year may leave your ex-spouse unintentionally named in critical documents.
To-do before 2026: Consult with your legal team about the timing of updating and/or revoking existing documents.
Don't Wait Until January
Many people delay legal decisions until after the holidays—but by then, it may be too late to gain certain advantages. Court calendars fill up, financial data changes, and emotions often run high in January. A proactive approach in November or early December can position you for greater stability and clarity.
We provide clear, strategic guidance for individuals navigating complex family law matters—including high-asset divorce, child custody modifications, and alimony negotiations. Our unique "road map" approach means you’ll never be left wondering what's next.
If you're considering legal action—or in the midst of one—don’t wait until the new year to move forward. Call our firm today at Harris, Hunt & Derr, P.A.!