Parenting Time

How Does Long-Distance Parenting Work After Relocation?

Life is most predictable in its unpredictability. For instance, a new job opportunity, a family obligation, or a need for a fresh start can sometimes require a parent to move away from their current residence. When you share custody of a child, however, this decision becomes infinitely more complex. You might be asking yourself: How can I maintain a strong bond with my child from hundreds of miles away?

At SLG Family Law, we know that the prospect of long-distance co-parenting can feel overwhelming. While face-to-face time may look different, a solid parenting plan can ensure your relationship with your child continues to thrive. Whether you are the parent relocating or the parent staying behind, successful long-distance parenting often relies on three core strategies: structured visitation blocks, consistent virtual connection, and clear logistical planning.

What Can Long-Distance Visitation Schedules Look Like?

When parents live in the same town, an “every other weekend” schedule can be common. However, when hundreds of miles separate households, frequent travel becomes impractical and exhausting for the child. Long-distance plans typically trade frequency for extended duration. The goal is to make sure that the non-residential parent still has substantial, uninterrupted blocks of quality time.

Common schedules often include:

• Extended Summer Break: The non-residential parent may have the child for the majority of the summer vacation, often several weeks at a time.
• Alternating Major Holidays: Parents may alternate major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas annually. For example, one parent may have the child for the first half of winter break one year, and the second half the next.
• School Breaks: Spring break and long weekends may be assigned to the long-distance parent to maximize face-to-face time during the school year.

In addition, provisions allowing the long-distance parent to visit the child in their home city whenever they are in town can help bridge the gap between long breaks.

How Do Virtual Parenting and Communication Work?

Technology has revolutionized how families can stay connected across state lines. Virtual visitation is now a standard component of many modern parenting plans. However, for it to be effective, it needs to be more than just a sporadic phone call. It requires consistency and creativity to simulate “being there” for the daily moments.

To make virtual parenting meaningful, consider the following:

• Scheduled Video Calls: Establish a predictable routine, such as a video call every Tuesday and Thursday before bed.
• Shared Activities: Don’t just talk; try to do things together. You can read bedtime stories, play online games, or watch a movie simultaneously over video.
• Homework Help: Utilizing screen sharing to help with math problems or edit an essay keeps the long-distance parent involved in the child’s education.
• Open Communication: Older children in particular should have the freedom to call, text, or email the other parent whenever they wish, without interference.

Intentional virtual communication can help make the distance feel less disruptive to your relationship.

Transportation and Travel Considerations

The logistics of getting a child from Point A to Point B are often the source of significant friction if not clearly defined in the legal agreement. A comprehensive long-distance parenting plan should address the detail side of travel to prevent disputes.

Key factors to address include:

• Travel Costs: Who pays for the plane tickets or gas? Costs may be divided based on income, or sometimes allocated to the parent who chose to move.
• Mode of Travel: Will the child fly or be driven? If flying, are they old enough to fly alone, or must a parent accompany them? Airlines have specific rules for unaccompanied minors that must be factored into the plan.
• Exchange Points: If driving, parents might agree to meet at a halfway point. This location should be safe and explicitly stated in the agreement.

Determining these factors in advance allows each parent to understand their travel responsibilities from the start, decreasing the risk of arguments later.

Protecting Your Bond, Regardless of the Miles

Relocation definitely changes the logistics of parenting, but it does not have to diminish your role in your child’s life. With a detailed plan and a commitment to communication, you can still approach these changes successfully.

If you are facing a potential relocation or need to modify an existing parenting agreement because of a move, SLG Family Law is here to guide you. Our experienced attorneys can help you craft a strategy that prioritizes your child’s well-being and protects your parental rights. Contact SLG Family Law today to schedule your consultation.