Yes, we know it is hard to believe, but the Easter holidays are fast approaching.
For many separated families, Easter can become a very challenging holiday period to navigate. With a four-day long weekend, school holidays, family traditions, and religious significance for many families, the Easter period can quickly become a source of conflict if parenting arrangements are unclear.
Whether you already have parenting orders in place or are trying to negotiate arrangements for the first time, it is important to understand how Easter parenting arrangements are commonly treated under Australian family law. Planning early can help avoid disputes and ensure the focus remains on what matters most: the well-being of your children.
Is Easter Considered a Special Occasion in Family Law?
Yes. Under Australian family law, Easter is generally considered a special occasion.
Courts often treat Easter in the same category as other significant family events, such as:
- Christmas
- Children’s birthdays
- Mother’s Day and Father’s Day
- School holiday periods
- Religious or cultural celebrations
When parents cannot agree on arrangements, the Court may make specific orders for Easter. This is because the Easter long weekend is a predictable and meaningful period that both parents may wish to spend with their children.
Keeping Parenting Arrangements Child-Focused
There is no ‘blanket approach’ when it comes to special occasions and the time your children spend with you. However, it is important to keep in mind that the arrangements should be focused on being in the best interests of the children, and less on the convenience of the parents. Your children’s best interests should be the most important factor considered in your planning and decision-making.
The Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) provides a set of criteria which set out what is in the best interests of a child. Amongst other additional considerations, a few notables to consider are:
- The benefit to the children of having a meaningful relationship with both parents.
- Both parents should have the children spend time with them, as often as possible, also on important days, such as Easter.
- The need to protect the children from physical or psychological harm or from being subjected to or exposed to abuse, neglect, or family violence; and
- Any views expressed by the children.
Common Easter Parenting Arrangements in Australia
While every family’s circumstances differ, some arrangements appear regularly in negotiated agreements and Court orders.
Parenting orders often set out specific arrangements for Easter, recognising that it is a significant long weekend for many families. While every family’s situation differs, a few common approaches tend to appear in both negotiated agreements and Court made orders.
- One option is to divide the Easter long weekend, with one parent spending Good Friday and Easter Saturday with the children, and the other having Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. This tends to work best where parents live geographically close for handovers to be practical and where both wish to share meaningful parts of the holiday.
- Some families can celebrate jointly, especially if the parents have an amicable relationship. In these situations, a shared activity, such as an Easter egg hunt, a family lunch, or attending a community event together, can help maintain traditions and allow the children to enjoy the holiday with both parents present. However, this is not always achievable.
- Where splitting the weekend is not possible, parenting orders commonly provide for alternating Easter each year. In this arrangement, one parent may have the children for the entire Easter period in even numbered years, and the other parent in odd numbered years. Although it can feel difficult to miss special occasions, alternating years is often the most practical solution when travel distance or work commitments limit flexibility.
- Parenting orders may also consider religious or cultural traditions, such as attending church services or community events that are important to the family. Some families choose to preserve longstanding rituals, while others create new traditions that suit their changed circumstances.
If you don’t have a plan, start making one!
If you don’t yet have a plan in place for the upcoming Easter long weekend, here are some practical tips to help you negotiate arrangements with your co‑parent:
- Start discussions early: Don’t wait until the day before to start discussing arrangements. Start thinking about and communicating your expectations and arrangements in an amicable way now. By doing so, you will be leaving enough time to consider all of the options and ensure Easter runs as smoothly as possible.
- Communicate effectively: Be clear about what is important to you and consider what your co-parent might want. Communication is essential to ensure you are both on the same page, as well as the children. You do not want to end up in a situation where you assume the children are spending time on a special occasion with you, and then the other parent has assumed the same. Always remember, these discussions should be centred around what is best for your children.
- Be flexible, willing to compromise, and enjoy! This is a special time with your children. Enjoy the occasion, make memories, create new traditions, or continue those that matter most to your family.
- Support the other parent’s time with the children. This is good for the children to see, hear, and experience.
- Consider entering a Parenting Plan, regulating theses type of arrangements, or even Consent Orders. Noting, however, these documents, although having the same aim, differ significantly in their application and enforcement.
What if you have a week on, Week Off Parenting Orders?
It is very common for Parental Orders to be in a ‘week on – week off’ format, whereby the orders remain the same for term 1, term 2, and term 3 school holidays – except for Christmas holidays. Generally, these types of Orders contain specific arrangements for the Christmas break – however, Easter is usually forgotten about.
This may mean that a parent may have their ‘week off’ with their child/children over Easter and miss the Easter period entirely. This is something you should consider in the lead up to Easter 2026 and think about whether this is something you wish to change. Also, sometimes, Easter is outside of the holiday time, and again, it may need definite consideration.
In these circumstances, you may be able to agree on alternative arrangements for Easter between yourself and your ex-partner/spouse – again, ensure this is done well in advance to avoid any confusion!
If this is not an option in your current set of circumstances, or you wish to add specific Easter holiday clauses to your orders, ensure you obtain professional advice from Family Lawyers who will assist you in navigating this issue.
What if You Cannot Reach an Agreement?
Sometimes, it is best to be able to compromise. Put the children first. It is not a competition.
However, if you and your ex-spouse are unable to reach an agreement or would like some professional advice, we highly recommend speaking with one of our experienced family lawyers at Ramsden Family Law.
How Ramsden Family Law Can Assist You
If you are unsure how Easter should be handled under your parenting orders, or you are having difficulty reaching an agreement with the other parent, early advice can make a real difference.
Ramsden Family Law can help you understand your rights and obligations, review your current orders, and put forward practical Easter arrangements that keep the focus on your children. We can also assist with negotiations, parenting plans, consent orders, and Court processes when needed.
Our team includes Family Law Accredited Specialists who provide clear, tailored advice. We offer a complimentary 30-minute initial consultation to understand your circumstances and guide you on the best next steps.
The content of this article is intended to provide general guidance to the subject matter and must not be relied on as legal advice. Specific advice should be sought about your circumstances.
