How Can I Co-Parent My Child Long-Distance After Divorce?

 Posted on July 09, 2020 in Divorce

Many people have experienced a long-distance relationship at some point in their life. Maybe you dated your high school sweetheart through college or perhaps you frequently traveled for business throughout your marriage. The most common consensus about long-distance relationships: They can be difficult to maintain. For divorced parents, living apart from their child can be a challenge, even if it is just down the street. For those who have relocated across the country, co-parenting might feel impossible. While you may not be able to see your child on a daily basis, it is still possible to remain an integral part of his or her life. Regardless of your location, and with a little extra effort, you can begin to close the gap even from afar.

Put Things in Writing

As a long-distance parent, it is even more important to have your legal rights listed. All divorcing parents must create a parenting plan, which they are able to adjust the details over the years as things undoubtedly change. Be sure to update your parenting plan with your co-parent before moving thousands of miles away. You should outline when you will see your child so that you can enforce the terms if necessary. This includes special considerations for holidays and school vacations. Travel costs can get fairly steep, so it may be easier for you to visit your child rather than have him or her fly to you.

Use Technology

In today’s digital age, long-distance parenting does not mean that you are no longer present in your child’s life. Email, video chat, and text messaging have allowed parents to stay connected to their children now more than ever. You should set up a time each week, or each day, to video chat with your child. Being able to see your son or daughter while chatting can make you feel more in touch and connected. This is especially important if your child is not old enough to remember you at home. You should also ask your former spouse to include you on any emails connected to the child’s education and extracurricular activities. This will allow you to stay in the loop about his or her daily life even if you are not present to attend such events.

Be Reliable

It can be easy to get caught up in your own life when your child is outside of your reach. However, your child should be able to rely on you regardless of any physical distance between you. Make an effort to consistently communicate with your child. Kids, in general, thrive off of structure, so telling your child your availability and building it into your everyday schedule can make him or her feel more connected to you.

Call a Naperville Parenting Plan Attorney

Parenting can be the most difficult job that one has in his or her lifetime. Add distance between you and your child and things only become more complicated. Whether you are considering relocating or have already moved, it is important to update your parenting plan to reflect your new lifestyle. The Law Office of Ronald L. Hendrix, P.C. helps divorced parents create a parenting plan or update their current plan so that they can remain connected to their children. Our father-and-son legal team understands the importance of family, which is why they have dedicated their practice to helping parents with their family law matters. If you are considering divorce or need help updating your parenting plan, contact our knowledgeable and compassionate Will County divorce lawyers at 630-355-7776 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.fatherly.com/love-money/divorce-long-distance-parenting-cope-with-being-away/

https://www.parents.com/parenting/divorce/how-i-navigate-long-distance-co-parenting/