Parents who share custody have to interact with one another regularly. They see each other at custody exchanges. They may communicate via email, text message or a parenting app about the upbringing of their children.
Maintaining appropriate systems for communication and proximity between parental homes is usually necessary for parents trying to share custody. However, sometimes moving with the children becomes necessary.
Parents pursuing better jobs are among those who might need to relocate with their children while subject to a shared custody order. A formal custody modification is often necessary when parents plan to move.
Relocation affects parenting logistics
The distance between parental homes is one of the many factors that influences the frequency of custody exchanges. The farther apart the parents are, the more difficult it may be to exchange custody multiple times a week or even to adhere to an alternating week schedule.
A formal modification of the custody order is likely necessary if the move increases drive time between homes substantially. The parents can work together to modify the custody order. They can discuss the best way to adjust the custody arrangements based on the new living arrangements.
If the parents do not agree on the relocation-related modifications necessary, then the matter may need to go in front of the family court judge. Judges hearing modification cases try to make decisions that are in the best interests of the children. In a relocation case, a judge might consider the impact the move might have on the children’s relationships and what educational opportunities they have.
Asking the courts to update a custody order is sometimes the best option for parents proposing a major relocation. Those who manage to work cooperatively often have an easier process than those who end up disagreeing with their co-parents about a custody modification.