Parenting after divorce is never easy, even in optimal circumstances. Add distance into the mix, and it can seem downright impossible. For parents who relocate for work to be closer to family or due to life changes, a long-distance parenting plan needs extra time, organization, and planning to work in a child’s best interests. A long-distance parenting plan lawyer at Stange Law Firm, PC, can help you formulate an effective plan.
What Is a Long-Distance Parenting Plan?
Long-distance parenting plans are designed for parents who live far apart, typically 50 miles or more in Illinois. This might be parents in different states or parents in the same state, but with one parent relocating with the child.
According to one source, 40% of marriages end in divorce. Many of these require parenting plans to effectively provide a stable environment for their children, with about 25% of children in the United States coming from a single-parent family. Additionally, about 70% of cases of divorce that include children result in disagreements over custody and visitation.
Parents do not typically switch off custody on a weekly basis in long-distance plans. Instead, parenting time is built around extended blocks of time, typically during school breaks and vacations. School schedules, travel logistics, and electronic communication are also key components of long-distance parenting plans.
Relevant Illinois Law
Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5/602.7) states parenting time decisions should be in the child’s best interests. In long-distance parenting cases, the court will consider each parent’s location and the impact on the child.
Other factors the court considers include the child’s age, school needs, adjustment to home, school, and community, and each parent’s ability to support the child’s relationship with the other parent. Judges in long-distance parenting cases will give priority to evaluating educational support, emotional well-being, and parental access opportunities.
Create a Clear Schedule
Vague parenting schedules often create conflict, especially when parents live far apart. A solid long-distance parenting plan includes very specific information about:
- Holiday time
- School schedules and breaks
- Specific start and end times for times with each parent
- Transportation plans
- Exchange locations
Long-distance parenting plans often have one parent with the majority of parenting time during the school year and the other parent getting a block of time during summer and school breaks. The main point is to be as specific as possible so parents and children have clear expectations.
Outline Costs for Travel and Transportation
Travel is one of the biggest points of conflict in long-distance parenting cases. Parenting plans should include very detailed information about:
- The parent responsible for booking travel
- The parent responsible for paying for travel, especially if it involves airfare, hotels, etc.
- Plans for travel hiccups, such as flight delays or cancellations
Agreeing on how to handle travel now will prevent last-minute disagreements and stress for parents and children.
Consistently Communicate
Regular in-person contact is limited by long distances, so frequent communication is more important than ever. Electronic communication should be included in the parenting plan with clear expectations for phone calls and video chats.
Courts in Illinois generally view virtual parenting time as reasonable, so long-distance parents should feel free to ask for whatever time they want for video chats, phone calls, etc. Setting expectations for the frequency and timing of contact with the non-custodial parent will help children feel connected without having conflicting expectations.
Put the Children First
Above all, a long-distance parenting plan should be child-focused, not parent-focused. Switching custody over long distances with multiple transfers between homes can be stressful for kids of all ages. Parents should be as smooth as possible with exchanges, minimizing travel fatigue and emotional adjustment between trips.
Age-appropriate communication and consistency between homes will also help the child feel more settled. If parents can put aside their own differences to support the child’s relationship with the other parent, the court in Illinois will certainly take note.
About Stange Law Firm, PC
At Stange Law Firm, PC, we serve parents across central Illinois with parenting plans and custody issues, including at the Sangamon County Circuit Court in Springfield, Illinois. We’ve worked in divorce and family law exclusively since 2007. We understand the complexities of long-distance parenting and are dedicated to developing practical, child-focused solutions that help families during times of transition.
FAQs
Q: Can a Long-Distance Parenting Plan Still Involve Joint Custody?
A: Yes. In Illinois, joint custody is defined as joint decision-making, not 50/50 parenting time. Parents may have shared legal decision-making even if one parent has a majority of parenting time due to distance. The court looks at whether parents can cooperate and make decisions in the best interests of the child.
Q: How Do Illinois Courts Decide Parenting Time in Long-Distance Cases?
A: The best interest of the child is of paramount concern to Illinois courts. Judges take into account factors such as the age and school schedule of the child, the emotional and developmental needs of the child, and the ability of each parent to foster the child’s relationship with the other parent. Practicality of travel and effect on the child’s routine are also key.
Q: Who Usually Pays for Travel in Long-Distance Parenting Cases?
A: There is no standard when it comes to who pays for travel in long-distance parenting cases. Costs may be split between parents or assigned to one parent, or apportioned according to income. Parenting plans may specifically address who pays for transportation, the booking of travel, and unexpected travel changes to prevent future conflict.
Q: What Happens if One Parent Wants to Relocate Further Away?
A: If the relocation is far enough away or under the right circumstances, a court order approving the relocation may be required. Illinois has specific notice requirements and requirements for the approval of relocation cases. Relocation that significantly impacts parenting time may require the current parenting plan to be modified to account for the change.
Contact Stange Law Firm, PC
Long-distance parenting plans demand structure and attention to detail. Whether you’re facing relocation or need assistance crafting a parenting plan that works, our team at Stange Law Firm, PC, is here for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.