A method for operating a first access node in a dual connectivity (DuCo) handover includes receiving an event trigger for a combined event from a user equipment (UE), sending to a second access node, a combined instruction for primary secondary cell (PSCell) addition and a role change with the second access node in accordance with the event trigger, adding as the second access node as a PSCell, and indicating to the UE, a role change between the first access node and the second access node.