Moving away from your child may be heart-wrenching, even though it is necessary. However, leaving Washington does not mean leaving your child’s life. At Clement Law Center, our legal team often helps parents who are relocating to craft a parenting plan that keeps them from losing contact with their children.
According to the Psychological Center for Expert Evaluations, Inc., your primary focus should be to work out a plan that preserves the bond between you and your child. Issues to discuss in negotiations include the following:
- Which holidays you will have
- Which school vacations you will have
- Visitation when you are in town
- How the other parent will keep you informed about your child’s life
Travel is another factor that you should address in the parenting plan. All of the expenses for this do not necessarily have to come out of your own pocket. Because visiting you is in your child’s best interests, both parents should share the financial burden. It could include a time burden, as well, if you are within a reasonable distance and can meet halfway.
When you call your child or use a video chat program, this could be considered visitation. Therefore, it is important for you to include these visits in your plan rather than hoping your child will be available at random times. Set a day and time, such as an hour or two on a weekday evening, when you and your child can be together. The two of you may have a lot to talk about, but you may also play an online video game together or watch a show. By identifying the visitation time in the plan, you ensure that the other parent will not keep your child from spending the time with you.
You can find more information about relocation and long-distance parenting on our webpage.