Long-Distance Co-Parenting Strategies

 Posted on December 15, 2023 in Child Custody

Co-parenting after divorce can be difficult even for parents who live in the same neighborhood. When parents live far away from each other, working together to put the child first can be a challenge. Living far apart can be a good thing in some ways. If you and the other parent have a high-conflict relationship, your ability to co-parent may benefit from rarely or never having to see each other in person. While custody hand-offs might be more complicated, they are generally more rare. It is fairly common for children to live with one parent during the school year and spend summer and winter breaks with the other parent. With few other options, this can make settling a custody dispute out of court by agreement simple. If one parent is relocating after a divorce has been finalized, the parties will need to seek a post-decree modification. It is important to be represented by a Wheaton, IL, child custody lawyer during any proceedings. 

Tips for Co-Parenting From Far Away

Some strategies that may help you co-parent from a distance include:

• Choose a communication strategy - Setting rules for when and how you will communicate and what subjects are appropriate can help you keep conversation civil and centered around your child. Some parents benefit from designating text or email as their usual non-emergency means of contact so they can each take the time to think about a message before sending it. 
• Help your child keep in touch with your co-parent - Facilitating your child’s relationship with their other parent might not be pleasant for you, but unless that relationship is harmful, you probably should. Try scheduling regular video calls between your child and the other parent, or encourage your child to call them to talk about their fun events and achievements. You could even consider syncing your calendars so that both parents can remain aware of what is going in in the child’s life. 
• Plan custody exchanges in advance - If your child will have travel expenses, make sure that whichever parent has been directed to pay those costs budgets for them. If your child will be traveling alone, make sure that you have checked the airline’s policy regarding minors your child’s age. Purchase travel tickets early. 

While this type of co-parenting is not always easy, it holds some benefits. When both parents are willing to work together to put the child’s needs first, the child is likely to experience greater emotional stability during and after the divorce. 

Contact a DuPage County, IL, Child Custody Attorney

Andrew Cores Family Law Group is experienced in guiding long-distance parents through the process of creating a well-functioning parenting time schedule. Our knowledgeable Wheaton, IL, child custody lawyers can help you design the best plan for your child. Contact us at 630-871-1002 for a free consultation.