What happens when you and the other parent live a long distance from each other? How do you handle parenting time? If you and the other parent live far apart, creativity in a parenting time schedule is a must. You should consider longer periods of parenting time verses a standard schedule. The frequency and duration of the visits depends on the child’s age and needs, as well as what works for the parents.
PARENTING TIME SCHEDULES TO CONSIDER WHEN YOU LIVE FAR APART:
- Every other weekend: if you live close enough to make this parenting time schedule practical.
- Extended time during school breaks such as Thanksgiving weekend, Christmas break, spring break, winter break, and mid-winter break.
- Thanksgiving break: you can alternate who gets Thanksgiving break every year or split the holiday between each of you
- Christmas break: you can split the holiday, and alternate them every year or have the same split every year
- Three-day weekends: given to the noncustodial parent when available in the child’s school schedule
- Summer parenting time: this is a perfect opportunity for the non-custodial parent to be given an opportunity to have extended parenting time that would not interfere with your child’s school schedule. You could consider a two-week rotating schedule, or one half of the summer with you and one half of the summer with the other parent. Of course, this may depend on the distance you live from one another, the cost of travel, and the age of your child (younger children may not fare well with a longer period of parenting time).
HOW DO WE HANDLE THE EXCHANGE?
Options for exchange when parents live far apart may include:
- The other parent handling all of the driving to and from your house (if you are the custodial parent)
- You and the other parent meeting halfway
- Flying your minor child. Note, airlines have restrictions about children flying unaccompanied and each airline has different restrictions. If flying is required, you should have a general understanding of the restrictions (and what is entailed) before you enter into a parenting time schedule that requires air travel.
WHO PAYS FOR THE TRAVEL EXPENSE?
You and the other parent must also agree on the cost of travel. Are each of you responsible for your share of the travel? Do you need to book flights for the child? Are you to share in the flight cost or the cost of gas?
Options for travel expense when parents live far apart may include:
- Each of you pay equally for the travel expense
- One party pays for all of the travel (if they moved out of state causing travel to be necessary)
- The cost is divided based on specific parenting time such as one party always pays for travel for summer or specific holidays.
- The expense is divided disproportionately based off of ability to pay, income, or some other agreement
What’s important to remember when you and the other parent are creating a long-distance parenting time plan, you need to agree on a schedule you can follow, understand what it is that each of you have agreed to, and follow through with the schedule.
PROVIDING SOLUTIONS FOR FAMILIES.CONTACT SCHMITT LAW, PLLC FOR LEGAL ADVICE ON CUSTODY. GRAND RAPIDS FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY SERVING KENT, OTTAWA, AND ALLEGAN COUNTY.
Custody is a sensitive topic in divorce cases. Child custody mediation will put your child first and set you up for a healthy co-parenting relationship. With an experienced attorney and mediator like Laurie Schmitt, you will be able to navigate your new family dynamic with clear understanding and communication. Looking for a professional and experienced family law attorney, contact us online or give us a call at (616) 608-4634. At Schmitt Law, PLLC our commitment is to you! Our office is located at 401 Hall Street SW, Suite 112D, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
