Individuals involved in a co-parenting relationship outside of marriage have their own lives to consider, even as they remain linked by their family dynamic. The situation might arise, then, that one parent might decide to relocate far away while still wishing to stay in regular contact with the kids.
Creating a fair visitation schedule when one parent moves away starts with understanding a parent’s right to relocate in relation to their custodial rights. Beyond that, arriving at a mutually-agreeable arrangement might entail a willingness to compromise and an understanding of how best to do so.
Know each parent’s relocation rights
The non-custodial parent typically has the right to relocate as they please so long as they do not attempt to remove the children from the other parent and if the move does not violate the terms of any other custodial agreement. The primary custodian, however, cannot simply move far away from the other parent without approval as this might infringe on their parental rights. The California Courts provide guidelines explaining when a parent can move with their children and the process one can follow to seek approval.
Be open to compromise on your schedule
When one parent moves away, it is important to consider how best to build a parenting time schedule that is fair to both parents and to the child as well. Frequent travel back and forth can be burdensome for everyone involved, so it may be best to compromise on certain holidays or vacations as visitation periods.
Relocations can be delicate scenarios during a co-parenting relationship, but a family that is open to compromise can adapt to the change. Maintaining a fair parenting time schedule afterward can take consistent effort as well, though any challenges that arise are solvable through open communication or even mediation.