Filing for divorce can be complicated enough, and when a child is involved, these matters can grow even more complicated. However, when one parent moves away for whatever reason, understanding how custody will work is critical. As such, if you are involved in a long-distance divorce, understanding how to navigate the complexities of custody is vital. The following blog explores what you should know about these matters and how a Somerset County child custody attorney can assist you during these matters.
How Is Custody Determined in a Long-Distance Divorce?
Navigating custody during a long-distance divorce can be incredibly complicated, as there are several considerations that must be made. Typically, one parent will have primary custody while the other has visitation rights. Both may share legal custody. Regardless, one of the most important things to consider when sharing long-distance custody of a child is their school calendar. It’s important to ensure visitation with the non-custodial parent does not interfere with the child’s education. As such, one option is to plan visits for the weekend and school breaks. You can also arrange for longer visits over summer vacation.
In addition, you’ll need to take the child’s age into consideration during these matters. For example, it can be incredibly difficult for a two-year-old to spend thirty days away at a time with a non-custodial parent. As such, creating different visitation plans that reflect the child’s age and maturity is critical.
Finally, you may need to take travel costs into consideration. Depending on how far away you live, it can be incredibly expensive for a child to fly multiple times a year. Additionally, other methods of transportation can be expensive. You and your ex-spouse should try to reach an agreement regarding how these matters will be handled, and if you cannot, a judge can settle the issues of transportation costs for you.
How Can My Ex and I Co-Parent Effectively?
Co-parenting across state lines can be incredibly complicated, so it’s imperative to do everything possible to make this process as effective as possible. Generally, the most important thing to do is prioritize communication. By working with your ex, you can come up with a great parenting plan as opposed to having the courts decide.
You should also discuss how check-ins will go when the child is visiting the non-custodial parent. The custodial parent will likely want to hear from their child regularly, but the non-custodial parent should also have time with the child uninterrupted. As such, discussing these matters in advance is critical.
These matters can be complicated to navigate, and ensuring you have legal representation on your side throughout this process is critical. That’s why the team at the Siragusa Law Firm is here to help you through these complex issues. We will work to help your family receive the best possible outcome. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you.
