Co-parenting your children after a divorce can be a delicate matter, even if you and your ex-spouse remain on amicable terms. You each have your own wants, needs and obligations to work around when building a workable parenting plan.
Career advancement and other personal factors can necessitate an out-of-state move for one parent, throwing a wrench in the gears of your carefully-laid schedule. If this happens, you and your co-parent will have to discuss a fair split of parenting time with the distance in mind.
Understand relocation rights
Typically, a non-custodial parent may move out of state at their own discretion so long as they do not attempt to take their child away from the other parent. However, Pennsylvania law dictates that a custodial parent must submit a relocation petition if they wish to move to another state with the children without the non-custodial parent’s agreement. The court will then decide if the relocation may proceed based on how the move will affect the child and their relationship with the nonrelocating parent.
Compromise on visitation schedules
If there is a significant physical distance between co-parents, it is essential to consider how constant travel back and forth can affect the child. Time on the road can cut into activities that are important to your child, so it may be better to designate certain holidays or vacation periods as visitation time with the other parent.
Moving far away is not something anyone should take lightly in a co-parenting arrangement. Before the move takes place, both parents should agree on a new parenting time schedule that benefits the whole family.
