Don’t Leave Christmas to Chance: Get Your Legal Plans in Place Early

Christmas is a time for family, comfort and connection. For many people, it is also one of the most stressful periods of the year, especially when legal or family arrangements are not yet settled. At francis george solicitor-advocate, we often see how a bit of forward planning before December can make the festive season smoother, calmer and more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Getting Ahead of the Festive Rush

Once November begins, diaries fill quickly. Solicitors’ offices, banks and courts start to slow down, and last-minute paperwork becomes harder to complete. That is why now is the best time to get your affairs in order.

From wills and powers of attorney to family schedules and property matters, early legal planning helps to avoid the last-minute rush and ensures nothing important is overlooked.

Family Law and Christmas Arrangements

For separated parents, Christmas can bring both joy and anxiety. Balancing time with children, travel between households and different family traditions can be challenging. The best way to reduce tension is to agree arrangements well in advance.

If you are co-parenting, aim to confirm your Christmas contact schedule early. Consider:

• Which days your children will spend with each parent

• How handovers will work, especially if you live in different towns

• Travel arrangements and overnight stays

• When extended family visits will take place

• How to make the children feel secure and included in both homes

Even in amicable situations, clarity helps. Putting your agreement in writing, or formalising it through a parenting plan or consent order, can prevent misunderstandings later. Courts and mediation services are particularly busy in December, so it is always better to act early.

At francis george solicitor-advocate, our family law team regularly supports parents who are navigating these sensitive arrangements. We focus on reaching fair, practical agreements that keep the children’s welfare at the heart of every decision. If communication becomes difficult, we can assist with negotiation or mediation before matters escalate.

Managing Legal Matters Before the Holidays

Aside from family arrangements, other important legal tasks should be addressed before Christmas. These include:

• Reviewing or updating your will, especially if your circumstances have changed

• Setting up or confirming lasting powers of attorney for health or financial matters

• Reviewing property ownership and inheritance planning for couples and families

• Ensuring business or trust documents are finalised before year-end

Many people wait until the New Year to deal with these matters, but the festive season often brings unexpected challenges. Acting now provides peace of mind and protects your loved ones should the unexpected occur.

Reducing Stress, Increasing Certainty

The weeks leading up to Christmas can be busy, emotional, and financially demanding. Taking legal advice early helps create structure, manage expectations, and reduce stress. Whether you need help with family law, estate planning, or property matters, early preparation means you can focus on what really matters during the holidays.

At francis george solicitor-advocate, we understand that Christmas can be a difficult time for many families. Our teams in Witney and Swindon are here to help you plan ahead, resolve disputes, and make clear legal arrangements.

If you would like to talk through your options, contact us today and make this Christmas one of preparation, clarity and peace.