Kentucky parents might have a hard time figuring out visitation rights when their children’s other parents live out of state. Parenting time is important regardless of where each parent lives, so finding a way to make long-distance visits work is crucial.
Parenting time with a long-distance parent might seem impossible, but it just takes a little bit more work to set up.
What goes into planning long-distance parenting time?
There are a lot of different components that go into planning out parenting time with a
long-distance parent. This can include determining:
– Who pays for the travel
– How often the child sees their long-distance parent
– How to have virtual visits when they can’t visit in person
The intricacies depend a lot on how far away the parent is as well as the dynamic of both the parents and the child. Sometimes, the distance is only a few hours’ drives, but other times, it’s a plane ride.
Who pays for the travel?
Travel costs can be handled in a few different ways. The parents might split the travel expenses between them 50/50, or the long-distance parent might pay for the majority of travel expenses.
Depending on the terms of your child support agreement, travel costs can be added to the child support payments. This might need to be adjusted if the parent moves after the initial custody agreement are drafted up.
When do they visit?
Determining visitation for long-distance parents can be handled at the time of the divorce. If the long-distance parent lives far away, then they might get the child for longer periods but fewer times throughout the year. For example, a child might spend part or all of their summer break with the long-distance parent. To make up for the lack of physical visits, regular virtual visitation might be worked into the custody agreement.
Most of the time, courts will have the parents address who gets the child on school breaks or holiday breaks. These are typically things worked out with both parents’ lawyers before the divorce is finalized.