Custody Struggles Increase Over Holidays

"It's one of the most litigious times of the year for warring ex-spouses.The holidays can be stressful for even the most traditional families, but throw in an uncooperative ex-spouse or a bum custody plan and, evidence shows, December can mean a rush to family court. Court officials and some lawyers say that child custody fights tend to heat up or reappear when school starts or takes long breaks -- and some parents can become unhappy, uncertain or unhinged at how much time they'll have with their children. The holiday school break is no different. . . . Napa Superior Court Commissioner Michael Williams said he's seen it all before."What happens is people come in on Dec. 20 because they don't know where the child is going to be on Dec. 25," he said. In cases where squabbling parties wait until the last minute to request a change in their custody arrangements -- and if they're too much at odds to go hash things out at mediation -- Williams says he's often forced to make Solomon-like orders." By David Ryan, Napa Valley Register Link to Article (last visited 12-18-05 NVS)