Essential Things to Consider When Opting for a Long-Distance Parenting Plan

Long-distance parenting comes with its challenges, but having a well-structured plan can ensure the child has the continuity and stability required to thrive. During a divorce, the court looks into the child’s best interest, highlighting that both parents need to have clear guidelines for communication, visitation, and responsibilities.

Suppose a parent is planning to move to a farther location, both parents need to look into a long-distance parenting plan that works for both of them and is enriching for their child.

This blog explores the points parents need to consider when opting for a long-distance parenting plan.

Legal Considerations and Custody Agreements

When parents are considering opting for long-distance parenting, they need to get the required approval from the court and modify their current custody agreement. However, most states require the moving parent to state their reason for moving; if the judge considers the reasons to be legitimate, the relocation is approved.

It is important to keep in mind that if a parent were to take their child without the family court’s approval, they would have to face the consequences the court deems fit. It is advisable to hire a family law attorney to help through the process.

Travel Arrangements and Transportation Costs

Long-distance parenting involves a lot of planning. As the child will have to go back and forth to be with the parents, the parents need to have a proper plan for the same. Parents can keep a shared calendar that looks into their child’s school calendar and holiday schedules so they can coordinate and plan visitation time.

The parents can plan how and when the child can travel and establish who will be responsible for the bookings and travel expenses. In cases where traveling frequently is not possible, they can explore alternative visitation arrangements.

Communication and Virtual Parenting Time

Though video calls and other forms of communication do not make up for in-person parenting time, parents could make an effort to ensure that the child does not feel alienated from the other. Children need to have access to telephone and video calling platforms to keep in touch with their parent, especially during the other parent’s non-parenting time.

Parents could try to set a schedule as to when the child is available for calls. They could also discuss providing their child with their own personal device, depending on the child’s age, allowing them to keep in touch whenever they feel like it.

Decision-Making for Extracurricular Activities

It is the parents’ duty to ensure that their child gets the best possible opportunities they can provide. Extracurricular activities help enrich a child’s life and can open up various options for the child to choose from. However, when it comes to long-distance parenting, both parents need not always see eye-to-eye.

Such problems can be avoided if the parents decide who will be responsible for the child’s extracurricular activities. The responsible parent can keep the other informed about their schedules, commitments, and costs so they can plan according to their child’s needs. In case the parents cannot decide on who will be the decision maker, they can opt for mediation or get legal guidance to resolve the issue.

Coordinating Education and Academic Support

Opting for long-distance parenting does not mean the child’s responsibilities fall on just one parent; both parents need to be updated on their child’s life. They can ensure to stay updated about the child’s academic progress and could set up schedules to help their child with school-related activities. They can also plan how much each parent can contribute to the child’s school-related expenses and tutoring.

Though the parents are ex-spouses, they need to have solid communication when it comes to their child. Good communication can help parents coordinate the time they spend with their child, allowing better planning for situations that require the parents’ presence, such as parent-teacher conferences, school events, etc. They can also form a better strategy to help their child with academic struggles and provide additional support.