Creating a Long-Distance Parenting Plan That Works For Everyone

 Posted on July 06, 2020 in Child Custody

When parents get divorced, they cannot just go their separate ways and say goodbye — they will forever be connected by their children and will have to continue communicating with one another until their children reach the age of 18. Co-parenting with one another in the same city can be difficult enough. When one parent moves away, it can pose an entirely new set of challenges related to parenting. Whether you need to create an original parenting plan to facilitate the distance between you and your co-parent or you need to update your existing parenting plan, here are some tips that can help:

• Coordinate with your co-parent as much as possible. It has been said before, but when it comes to long-distance co-parenting, communication really is key. Ideally, you should have your visitation schedule pre-planned and ready for reference. At a minimum, you should coordinate with your former spouse and determine which holidays and school vacations your child will be spending with each of you.

• Plan out who will be responsible for travel expenses. Traveling is not cheap. If you live far enough away from your co-parent that your child will have to take an airplane, things can get fairly expensive. Even if your child takes a train, bus, or another form of transportation, travel expenses can add up quickly. You and your co-parent should have a predetermined agreement for how those travel expenses will be handled. In some cases, you might be able to have those expenses added to your child support order.

• Determine how communication will take place. Communication between the child and the distanced parent is crucial to maintaining a relationship when the child is with his or her custodial parent. It is important that your child is able to freely communicate with both parents without feeling as if he or she is stepping on anyone’s toes. You should be sure to speak with your co-parent about how each of you will communicate with your child while he or she is in the other parent’s care.

Contact a Wheaton Divorce Lawyer

The state of Illinois requires parents to have a written parenting plan submitted to the court if they are getting divorced. Even in typical situations, parenting plans can be long and complicated documents. With long-distance parenting plans, things can become even more complex. The Goostree Law Group is well-versed in assisting long-distance families to come to a consensus on the details of their parenting plan. To schedule a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable DuPage County parenting plan attorneys, call us today at 630-364-4046.

Sources:

https://www.ourfamilywizard.com/blog/creating-perfect-long-distance-parenting-plan

https://www.custodyxchange.com/articles/long-distance-plan.php