Avoid a Bump in the Road How to Travel With Children After Divorce
Vacation season is here, but packing up your kids for an adventure away from home probably isn’t as simple as it used to be when you were married. Many wonder what the rules of travel are after a divorce. Do they need their co-parent’s permission? Can their ex veto all their plans? It depends on the contents of your parenting plan. If you’re planning your first vacation after a divorce, you want to review the document carefully. Most parenting plans include rules for travel, and you’ll find the relevant details outlined. Remember — they’re legally binding. Some parenting plans allow out-of-state travel without the other parent’s permission. Others do not require a co-parent’s consent but do mandate notification. Sometimes, permission or notification may even be necessary for short trips to a different part of the state.
their permission to go outside the parenting plan. It may not be a problem if you have an amicable relationship with your ex. But if the two of you don’t usually offer each other much flexibility, be sure to plan carefully to avoid lost deposits or unfavorable court motions. In some cases, a parenting plan may be silent on travel. If the parenting plan does not explicitly restrict leaving the state, you technically do not need your co-parent’s permission before embarking on a trip. However, it is wise to get travel details added to your parenting plan whenever possible so you have a written agreement. Parental kidnapping is more common than you think, and you don’t want to inspire panic or unfounded accusations. And when your parenting plan allows out-of-state travel without consent or notification, keeping your ex in the loop is still wise. How would you feel if you only discovered your child had gone to New York City after they arrived? You’d probably be confused and frightened. Parents always want to know where their children are in case of an emergency, so give your co-parent a heads-up before hopping on a plane or embarking on a long car trip.
Notably, you must plan your travel during your time with the children. If your trip cuts into your co-parent’s time, you will need
Travel may require more planning after a divorce, but it can still be a lot of fun. Ensure you follow the rules and treat your co-parent courteously so you can enjoy your vacation without legal drama.
1
2
1 BLF team-building 2-4 Kyla, Amber, and Jennifer raising money for Breast Cancer at the Mud Girl Run.
3
4
561-810-0170 • 3
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator