Google Screened

How to Create a Long Distance Parenting Plan

Baltimore County child custody lawyers assist clients with parenting plans.Divorced parents with shared physical custody of children are entitled to spend a set amount of time with their children. Under these circumstances, parenting plans are frequently drafted to define when a child will be living with each parent as the amount of time is generally not split equally among the parents. The need for a set parenting plan can be especially important when divorced parents live far apart from each other.

Set Visitation Schedules

Given the travel logistics involved in long distance shared physical custody arrangements, the first step is to set a visitation schedule outlining when the child will be living with each parent. Visitation schedules should reflect set dates for regular parental visits, vacations, and holidays. In cases of long distance parenting, one of the most common arrangements is when a child lives with one parent during the school year and the other parent during summer vacation.

If the other parent will be visiting a child in the other parent’s physical custody, visitation provisions can state where the visiting parent will stay, how much time they will spend with the child, and how much notice must be provided before visiting. Some plans also state the frequency of telephone calls between the non-present parent and the child.

Account for Travel Details

Transportation is an important consideration in any long distance parenting plan. Setting forth the logistics of how a child will get to and from the other parent’s home is important to prevent miscommunications and unexpected expenses. One common provision is an agreement to meet half way for the child exchange. When the child will be taking an airplane, important details including whether the child will be accompanied on the flight, which airports will be used, which parent will make the travel arrangements, and who will pay for the flights should also be part of the plan.

Put Best Interest of the Child First

Maryland courts look at the “best interest of the child” to determine the validity of a long distance parenting plan.

Some important considerations include:

  • The child’s preference
  • The financial ability of each parent to support the child
  • The physical and psychological health of the parent
  • Ability of the parents to communicate with each other
  • The employment demands of each parent
  • The school the child attends
  • The opportunity to bond with other siblings and extended family members

Creating a long distance parenting plan that represents the best interest of the child should be the goal for both parents.

Participate in Mandated Steps

Under Maryland law, divorced parents must participate in court ordered custody mediations and custody visitation evaluations. Issues related to long distance parenting can be resolved amicably during this time if both parents work together to put the best interest of the child first. To successfully navigate legal proceedings, seek the assistance of an experienced Baltimore County child custody lawyer.

Baltimore County Child Custody Lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC Assist Clients With Parenting Plans

If you need assistance in drafting a long distance parenting plan, the experienced Baltimore County child custody lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC are here to help. To schedule a free initial confidential consultation with a knowledgeable and highly skilled Baltimore County child custody lawyer today, call us at 443-589-0150 or contact us online.

Our offices are conveniently located in Towson and Hunt Valley, Maryland, allowing us to serve individuals and families in a wide range of family law matters throughout Baltimore, Baltimore County, Bel Air, Columbia, Freeland, Hampton, Westminster, Essex, Monkton, Sparks, Glencoe, Parkton, Phoenix, Pikesville, White Hall, Carroll County, Harford County, and Howard County.

av 2019 rating
avvo client choice award
avvo top contributor award
maryland chamber