Question:
Is there a parenting plan template in regards to visitation schedules for noncustodial parents who live far away from their children?
I get to see my kids one weekend a month because they live in another state and the travel expenses are too much for me to afford.
How is long distance visitation handled and is there any way I can get more parenting time with my kids if I live a plane ride away?
Answer:
This answer only includes general divorce help for men since I am only licensed to practice in Oklahoma and am thus unable to provide any legal advice on divorce on the laws in other states.
Long distance visitation is never going to be ideal or ever be as much time as any parent should desire.Unfortunately, with school, social activities, extra curricular events, friends, etc., long distance visitations will be limited.
Of course, this bad situation can often be made even worse if your former spouse is unresponsive to your requests for additional visitation or worse, simply refuses to grant you more time.
In the event that the parties are unable to come to an agreement on the visitation schedule, it is likely the court will implement what is known as a Long Distance Standard Visitation Schedule. There are different long distance visitation schedules which the court may use based on the facts and circumstances of the case.
Just as an example, the visitation schedule would be different based on the distance between the parties and expense of travel. In other words, living within 200 miles of each other, while long distance, is considerably different then living 2,000 miles apart. Of course, many other factors can play a role in determining the appropriate visitation schedule.
Without knowing all the facts, it is difficult to estimate appropriate visitation. A typical Long Distance Visitation Schedule will provide the non-custodial parent with extended holiday parenting time (such as every Spring Break and more time over Christmas Break) and extended summer visitation.
If the distance and expense of transportation is not too great, the court may grant the non-custodial parent one weekend visitation per month during the school year.
Please understand that my opinions are based upon the limited facts that you provided to me. For a more in depth discussion of fathers rights and legal advice on divorce, I urge you to contact a family law attorney
To set up an appointment with a Cordell & Cordell mens divorce attorney, including Brock Ellis, an Associate Attorney in the Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, office, please contact Cordell & Cordell.
