Sharing responsibilities with your ex-spouse can be a difficult balancing act even if you live in the same city. If one parent decides to move far away, perhaps even out of state, then the matter of fairly splitting parenting time becomes a huge obstacle.
Parents who come from an uncontested divorce typically have an easy time reaching a fair co-parenting agreement. Even if both individuals accept the fact that one parent is going to move away, though, it can be tricky to work out a new visitation schedule.
Understand move-away situations
If you are still in the process of deciding whether or not to relocate, it is important to understand move-away situations as they pertain to divorced parents. The non-custodial parent can choose to relocate out of state but should be accepting of the fact that it will be difficult to get time with their child. However, the custodial parent would likely have a very difficult time moving away with the child. Courts may see this as an attempt to remove the child from the other parent, and so the custodial parent must present substantial evidence that the move is a necessary “good faith” relocation.
Find the best time for visitations
When two parents live far apart, the best co-parenting option may be to find extended periods of time during which the child can visit the non-custodial parent. Holidays and vacations away from school could be convenient opportunities. However, be aware of your child’s feelings and well-being in the process. Spending precious time away from friends and extracurricular activities could have a far-reaching impact on a young mind.
Relocations and co-parenting negotiations can often be topics of heated debate. However, such matters tend to go smoothly in an amicable divorce where both parties prioritize a child’s needs.