Divorce complicates every aspect of life. It compels the couple to readjust to the new family dynamic. And as the exes start off their new lives, significant changes are bound to happen. And one of these has to do with the minor children’s living arrangements.
When life pulls parents who share a child far apart after the divorce, they must figure out a parenting plan that will work for everyone. Here are important issues that you need to address while creating a long-distance co-parenting plan:
Visitation schedules
Every child has a right to both parents’ love and care. As such, it is important that the parents work out visitation schedules that take into account the best interests of the child. Such schedules usually require the non-custodial parent to provide adequate notice to the custodial parent when exercising their visitation rights. Examples of long-distance visitation schedules may include:
- Monthly visits
- Weekend visits during long holidays
- Alternating weekend visits is travel permits
Of course, there are times when the regular weekend or monthly visits may be impractical, especially when the distance between the parents is significant. In this case, parents may consider adopting longer visits during school breaks.
Communication between the non-custodial parent and the child
Communication is an integral part of any co-parenting plan. As such, it is important that parents encourage regular (daily, if possible) phone calls between the child and the non-custodial parent. The use of video calls allows the non-custodial parent and the child to maintain “face-to-face” interaction despite the distance. Depending on the child’s age, other forms of communication like text and emails can be adopted.
Divorce, especially one that involves minor children, can be extremely challenging. Find out how you can create and implement a co-parenting plan that will work for everyone involved.