When one man was a child, his dad took him to a Syracuse basketball game against a Texas team. The boy and his dad had a special time, and the event has forever opened a place in the man’s heart for his beloved basketball team. That child is now a father and wants to carry on the tradition of rooting for that team.
During their divorce, the father and his ex have gone through the standard family law process of making child custody and visitation decisions. Who will get to be with the kids during certain holidays? This couple’s particular arrangement shows how it doesn’t have to be just religious and patriotic holidays that are divided up after divorce. Sporting events are fair game, too.
The mother in this case will get to spend the following events with the kids, according to the child custody agreement: Thanksgiving, Labor Day and the big Jewish holidays. The father will generally get the kids during the bigger Christian holidays such as Christmas and Easter, but his request got a bit more specific. If his favorite basketball team ever makes it to the NCAA finals, he gets to take his kids to the entire championship game.
This detail of the child custody arrangement might make some roll their eyes, but a large part of parenting is getting to share certain important days and events with one’s children. Holidays hold a special place in many parents’ hearts. In the case of this father, his basketball team has had a special hold on him since his childhood. He wants to share that tradition and joy with his kids.
The wife agreed to this unique detail. Now, the father is left hoping that his team will succeed and make it to the championships so he can share that precious experience with his kids.
This family law arrangement is an example of a parent making his divorce situation suit him. The divorce process leaves room to make special requests and discuss them with a spouse, children and others involved. Being specific during the process can save families from having to revisit issues in the future.
Source: Yahoo! Sports, “Syracuse fan makes unusual custody request in divorce settlement,” Jeff Eisenberg, July 27, 2012