Holiday Custody Schedules in Vermont: 2026 Complete Legal Guide

Vermont courts require parents to include holiday custody schedules in their parenting plans under 15 V.S.A. § 665, with holiday arrangements taking precedence over regular parenting time schedules. The standard approach in Vermont is an alternating holiday schedule where each parent receives major holidays in odd or even years, with Christmas Eve and Christmas Day often split between households. Vermont does not mandate a specific statutory holiday schedule, giving parents flexibility to create arrangements that serve the best interests of the child while respecting family traditions and religious observances.

Key Facts: Vermont Holiday Custody

How Vermont Courts Determine Holiday Custody Schedules

Vermont courts evaluate holiday custody schedules using the eight statutory best interests factors under 15 V.S.A. § 665(b), requiring arrangements that promote the child's relationship with both parents while maintaining stability. Vermont judges cannot apply a preference for one parent over the other based on gender, the child's gender, or financial resources. The 2026 holiday schedule in Vermont includes 11 federal holidays plus school vacation periods, with most families alternating these occasions between households.

Vermont uses distinctive terminology for custody matters. Physical responsibility refers to where the child lives and who provides daily care. Legal responsibility covers major decisions about education, medical care, religion, and travel. Under Vermont law, a parent exercising 91 or fewer overnights annually (less than 25% of the year) is considered the non-residential parent, while joint custody requires more than 91 overnights per year.

The eight best interests factors Vermont courts must consider include:

• The relationship of the child with each parent and the ability to provide love, affection, and guidance
• The ability to provide adequate food, clothing, medical care, and a safe environment
• The ability to meet the child's present and future developmental needs
• The quality of the child's adjustment to current housing, school, and community
• The ability to foster a positive relationship and frequent contact with the other parent
• The quality of the relationship with the primary care provider
• The ability of parents to communicate, cooperate, and make joint decisions
• Evidence of abuse and its impact on the child

Alternating Holiday Schedule Options in Vermont

Vermont courts commonly approve three primary holiday custody schedule structures, with the alternating yearly approach being most frequently ordered because it guarantees each parent equal access to major holidays over time. Parents creating holiday custody schedules in Vermont should specify exact start and end times to prevent disputes, as Vermont Form 825 requires parents to designate precise hours for holiday transitions.

Odd/Even Year Alternating Schedule

The most common holiday custody schedule Vermont courts approve divides holidays between odd and even years. In even years (2026, 2028, 2030), one parent receives Thanksgiving and Christmas Day while the other receives Christmas Eve and New Year's Day. These assignments reverse in odd years. This structure ensures neither parent misses a major holiday for more than one consecutive year.

Example Vermont alternating schedule:

Split Holiday Approach

Some Vermont families prefer splitting individual holidays rather than alternating years. Under this approach, Thanksgiving Day (10 AM to 6 PM) goes to one parent while Thanksgiving Weekend (Friday through Sunday) goes to the other. Christmas follows a similar pattern: Christmas Eve (noon to 9 PM) to one parent and Christmas Day (9 AM to 6 PM) to the other. This approach works well for families living within 30 miles of each other where transitions are manageable.

Fixed Holiday Assignment

Vermont courts permit fixed holiday arrangements when parents agree certain holidays hold special significance. One parent may always receive Thanksgiving while the other always receives Christmas, or religious holidays may be permanently assigned based on each parent's faith tradition. Courts evaluate whether fixed arrangements serve the child's best interests and maintain meaningful relationships with both parents.

Vermont Christmas and Winter Holiday Custody

Christmas custody arrangements in Vermont typically follow school vacation schedules, with the winter break period divided equally between parents. Vermont school districts generally observe winter break from approximately December 23 through January 2 (10-12 days total), though exact dates vary by district and year. Courts recommend using phrases like "parenting time begins at school release on the last day before break" rather than specific calendar dates.

Common Christmas custody schedule approaches in Vermont:

• One parent receives December 23 through December 25 at noon; the other receives December 25 at noon through January 1
• Christmas Eve and Christmas Day alternate between parents in odd/even years
• The first half of winter break goes to one parent; the second half goes to the other
• Parents split Christmas Day itself, with one receiving 8 AM to 2 PM and the other receiving 2 PM to 8 PM

Vermont Form 825 requires parents to specify exact transition times. The standard format states: "Christmas: Alternating schedule; Mother even years; Father odd years; starting at school release on the last day of school before break and ending December 25 at 2:00 PM" or similar language.

Thanksgiving Holiday Custody in Vermont

Thanksgiving parenting time in Vermont typically spans four days, from Wednesday evening through Sunday evening. Vermont courts commonly order transitions at 6 PM on Wednesday before Thanksgiving and 6 PM on Sunday following Thanksgiving. The 2026 Thanksgiving holiday in Vermont falls on November 26, with most school districts observing break from November 25-29.

Standard Thanksgiving custody provisions Vermont courts approve:

• Full weekend: Wednesday at 6 PM through Sunday at 6 PM (alternating years)
• Thanksgiving Day only: Thursday 10 AM through Friday 10 AM (other parent receives weekend)
• Split approach: Thanksgiving Day to one parent; remainder of weekend to other parent

Vermont does not observe the day after Thanksgiving as a state holiday, but most Vermont schools close on Friday following Thanksgiving. Holiday custody schedules should account for this school closure to avoid confusion.

Summer Vacation Custody in Vermont

Summer custody arrangements in Vermont extend beyond traditional holidays to include extended parenting time during school vacation. Vermont courts typically allocate 2-4 weeks of uninterrupted summer vacation time to each parent, with 30-45 days advance written notice required. Vermont Form 825 includes a specific section for summer arrangements, allowing parents to specify whether the regular schedule applies or extended summer parenting time occurs.

Standard summer custody provisions Vermont courts approve:

• Each parent receives 2 consecutive weeks of vacation time
• Non-residential parent receives 4-6 weeks of summer parenting time
• Parents alternate weekly during summer months
• First choice of summer weeks alternates by odd/even years
• 30-day advance notice required for vacation selections

Vermont summer vacation custody schedules should address:

• Start and end dates for summer parenting time
• How regular weekly schedules apply (or are suspended) during summer
• Notice requirements for vacation week selections
• Priority rules when parents request overlapping weeks
• Travel restrictions or passport requirements
• Communication schedules during extended summer periods

Other Major Holidays in Vermont Parenting Plans

Beyond Christmas and Thanksgiving, Vermont parenting plans should address multiple holidays and special occasions. Vermont observes 11 federal holidays, though not all are typically included in custody schedules. Vermont Form 825 lists standard holidays for parents to address: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa.

Spring Break Custody

Vermont spring break typically spans 5-9 days in March or April, depending on school district. Standard provisions divide spring break in half, with one parent receiving the first portion and the other receiving the second. Some Vermont families alternate entire spring breaks in odd/even years rather than splitting.

Three-Day Weekend Holidays

Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day create three-day weekends Vermont courts often address separately. Common approaches include:

• The holiday weekend goes to the parent who has regular weekend custody that week
• Monday holidays attach to the preceding weekend regardless of regular schedule
• Three-day weekends alternate between parents regardless of regular schedule

Birthday and Special Occasions

Vermont courts encourage parents to address birthdays in parenting plans. Typical provisions include:

• Children spend their birthday with the parent whose scheduled time includes that day
• Parents split birthday celebrations: day-of with one parent; party with the other
• Each parent receives one hour of phone/video contact on the child's birthday
• Mother's Day always with mother; Father's Day always with father

Creating a Vermont Parenting Plan with Holiday Provisions

Vermont Form 825 serves as the template for parenting plans filed with the Family Division of Vermont Superior Court. The form requires parents to address regular schedules, holiday schedules, vacation arrangements, and decision-making responsibilities. Filing fees total $295 for contested matters or $90 for stipulated agreements where parents file with complete agreement on all terms.

Required elements of Vermont parenting plans:

• Legal responsibility allocation (sole, shared, or divided)
• Physical responsibility allocation (where child primarily resides)
• Regular weekly parenting schedule with specific days and times
• Holiday schedule with start and end times for each holiday
• Summer vacation provisions with notice requirements
• Transportation arrangements for exchanges
• Communication provisions (phone, video, email)
• Provisions for future modifications

The COPE Parenting Course Requirement

Vermont requires parents in custody cases to complete the Helping Children Cope with Separation and Divorce course (COPE). The course costs $79 (with fee reductions to $30 or $15 available for financial hardship). Both parents must complete the course, which covers child development, co-parenting communication, and creating effective parenting plans including holiday arrangements.

Holiday Schedule Precedence Rules in Vermont

Holiday custody schedules in Vermont take precedence over regular parenting time schedules. If a parent has regular weekend custody but the other parent is entitled to Christmas under the holiday schedule, the holiday schedule controls. Vermont courts recommend parenting plans include explicit precedence language stating: "The holiday and vacation schedule takes priority over the regular parenting time schedule."

Example precedence provision Vermont courts approve:

"When a conflict exists between the regular parenting time schedule and the holiday/vacation schedule, the holiday/vacation schedule shall take precedence. The regular schedule shall resume at the next regularly scheduled exchange following the holiday or vacation period."

Modifying Holiday Custody Schedules in Vermont

Under 15 V.S.A. § 668, Vermont courts modify custody orders only upon showing a real, substantial, and unanticipated change of circumstances affecting the child's well-being. The filing fee for custody modification motions is $45. Simply wanting different holiday arrangements does not constitute sufficient grounds for modification. Courts require evidence that current arrangements harm the child or that circumstances have fundamentally changed since the original order.

Examples of changes Vermont courts have found sufficient:

• One parent relocating more than 50 miles, making current holiday transitions impractical
• Child's school schedule changing significantly (moving to year-round school)
• Work schedule changes making current exchange times impossible
• Complete breakdown in parental communication affecting holiday coordination
• Parent's new religious observances creating conflicts with existing schedule

Parents can agree to temporary modifications for a single holiday without filing a court motion. However, permanent changes require either a new stipulated agreement filed with the court or a motion demonstrating changed circumstances.

Relocation and Holiday Custody Impact

Vermont does not require formal advance notice before a parent relocates with the child, unlike many other states. However, relocation that substantially impairs the other parent's rights and responsibilities may trigger court review. Courts examine whether the move benefits the child independently of any benefit to the moving parent and whether the relocation would harm the child's relationship with the non-moving parent.

Relocation factors affecting Vermont holiday schedules:

• Distance of the move and travel time between households
• Cost of holiday transportation
• Availability of alternative visitation arrangements
• Child's adjustment to current school and community
• Moving parent's reasons for relocation
• Impact on the child's relationship with each parent

Mediation for Holiday Custody Disputes

Vermont offers a Family Mediation Program through the Superior Court, though mediation is not mandatory. Mediation typically costs $750 to $2,000 total, often split between parents, with sliding fee scales available. Mediators help parents develop holiday custody arrangements focused on the child's best interests without the adversarial nature of litigation.

Benefits of mediation for holiday custody disputes:

• Less expensive than litigation (mediation averages $1,000 vs. $5,000+ for contested court proceedings)
• Faster resolution (typically 2-4 sessions vs. months of court proceedings)
• Parents maintain control over outcomes rather than having a judge decide
• Confidential discussions cannot be used in later court proceedings
• Focus on problem-solving rather than adversarial positioning

Mediation is not appropriate when abuse has occurred. Vermont courts will not order mediation when one party has abused the other because power imbalances prevent fair negotiation.

Enforcement of Holiday Custody Orders

When a parent violates the holiday custody schedule, Vermont provides enforcement mechanisms through the Family Division of Superior Court. Enforcement options include:

• Motion for contempt (willful violation of court order)
• Motion for makeup parenting time
• Motion to modify custody based on pattern of interference
• Police assistance for immediate enforcement of custody orders

Vermont courts take holiday custody violations seriously because they deprive children of important time with both parents. Repeated violations may result in modification of custody arrangements in favor of the compliant parent.

Frequently Asked Questions

What holidays must be included in a Vermont custody schedule?

Vermont Form 825 lists these holidays for parents to address: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa. Parents must specify arrangements for each relevant holiday with exact start and end times. Courts also require provisions for summer vacation and school breaks.

Can Vermont parents agree to their own holiday custody schedule without court approval?

Yes, Vermont encourages parents to develop their own holiday custody schedules. If parents agree, they can file a stipulated parenting plan with the court for $90, compared to $295 for contested cases. However, the court must approve any agreement involving minor children to ensure arrangements serve the child's best interests under 15 V.S.A. § 665.

How does Vermont handle Christmas when parents live far apart?

When parents live more than 100 miles apart, Vermont courts often order entire holiday periods rather than split days. One parent may receive the entire Christmas vacation in even years while the other receives it in odd years. Travel costs are typically shared based on income proportions unless the relocating parent bears a greater share.

What happens if a parent violates the holiday custody schedule in Vermont?

The aggrieved parent can file a motion for contempt with the Family Division of Superior Court. If the court finds willful violation, remedies include makeup parenting time, attorney fee awards, and in severe cases, modification of custody. Repeated violations demonstrate inability to foster the child's relationship with the other parent, which is a factor under 15 V.S.A. § 665(b)(5).

Can holiday custody schedules be modified in Vermont?

Yes, but only upon showing a real, substantial, and unanticipated change of circumstances under 15 V.S.A. § 668. The filing fee for modification motions is $45. Examples include relocation making current arrangements impractical, significant school schedule changes, or work schedule changes affecting exchange times. Simply preferring different arrangements is insufficient.

Does Vermont require the COPE parenting course for custody cases?

Yes, Vermont requires parents in custody cases to complete the Helping Children Cope with Separation and Divorce course (COPE). The course costs $79, with fee reductions to $30 or $15 available for those demonstrating financial hardship. The course covers co-parenting communication and creating effective parenting plans including holiday arrangements.

How does Vermont calculate child support during extended holiday periods?

Vermont child support calculations under 15 V.S.A. § 656 account for overnight stays with each parent. The parent providing 91 or fewer overnights annually (less than 25%) is classified as the non-residential parent. Extended holiday periods count toward overnight totals but do not automatically trigger support modifications unless the annual overnight percentage changes significantly.

What is Vermont's position on religious holidays in custody schedules?

Vermont courts recognize religious holidays in parenting plans when relevant to the family. Parents may permanently assign religious observances to the parent who practices that faith. Courts cannot favor one religion over another but will approve arrangements ensuring children can participate in both parents' religious traditions when both parents request it.

How far in advance must parents provide notice of summer vacation plans?

Most Vermont parenting plans require 30-45 days advance written notice for summer vacation week selections. Courts recommend specifying a deadline (such as April 1) by which both parents must submit summer requests. First choice of weeks typically alternates in odd/even years when parents request conflicting dates.

Can grandparents receive holiday visitation in Vermont custody orders?

Vermont does not have a specific grandparent visitation statute. However, under 15 V.S.A. § 665(a), courts can award parental rights and responsibilities to persons other than parents if both parents are unfit or if the child has been in the care of the third party and certain conditions are met. Grandparents seeking holiday visitation typically intervene in existing custody proceedings.

Vermont Resources for Holiday Custody Schedules

Official Vermont Resources:

• Vermont Judiciary Family Division — Official court forms and procedures
• Vermont Form 825 Parenting Plan — Required form for custody arrangements
• VTLawHelp.org — Free legal information for Vermont residents
• Vermont Family Mediation Program — Court-connected mediation services

Filing fees as of March 2026 (verify with your local clerk):

• Contested divorce/custody filing: $295
• Stipulated divorce/custody filing: $90
• Non-resident stipulated filing: $180
• Custody modification motion: $45
• COPE parenting course: $79 (reductions available)
• Sheriff service: $75-$100
• Certified mail service: $18.50