Out of State Visitation Schedules

Divorce and separation situations are difficult not only for parents but also if there are children involved. Visitation schedules are an excellent way to show split time. However, visitation schedules may be difficult to create if one parent lives out of state or a long distance away. When a parent moves out of state, this does not mean child custody and visitation schedules cannot be managed and worked out.

First of all, the parent who is moving out of state should be prepared to explain reason(s) for the move to both the child and the other parent. This allows for the child to get a better understanding of the situation and for the parents to understand each other and come to an agreement. Usually, an out of state move means that a non-custodial parent (the parent who is not responsible for the child's primary care and residence) does not see his or her child as often but for longer periods of time.

As you consider how to create an out of state child custody schedule, many things must be determined, including:

• how, when and where holidays, special events and vacations are spent;

• how, when and where exchanges will be made;

• how transportation to and from visitations is handled;

• which events the child attends regularly; and

• travel expenses or other expenses outside of child support that may be incurred.

The same basic components of a regular custody schedule apply to an out of state custody schedule. An out of state schedule should take special consideration for travel time and expenses and longer visits for holidays and vacations. Because being out of state means that visits are longer and less frequent, it can be beneficial to have itineraries of regular visits, holidays and vacations whenever possible. Any changes should be dealt with immediately.

An out of state custody schedule should also include information about how contact between parent and child works. This contact may be through e-mail, regular mail, instant messaging, video calls, phone calls, text messaging and other avenues of communication and it should be consistent. Having a contact schedule will help ensure that the child has consistent and regular communication with the out of state parent.

Long distance parent-child relationships can be difficult but that does not mean that communication and visitation should fail or decrease. It should be more of a reason to stay in contact and keep regular visitation with a child.

It is possible to be an effective parent whether you live close to or far away from your child when you use a child custody schedule. Prepare an out of state child custody schedule that details all the information needed for you to be the best parent you can be.