Shared custody arrangements can be a stressor for the whole family. Sending your children back and forth between households can feel overwhelming enough, and adding distance as a factor to the equation makes managing the custody situation even trickier. The end goal is always to support the children and ensure they are emotionally and physically stable, and suddenly splitting those responsibilities post-divorce is a whole new field.
Navigating a long-distance custody arrangement doesn’t have to be unnecessarily stressful, especially with a family lawyer on your side to help with the specifics. Moffett Law Firm has put together a guide to managing a long-distance custody arrangement with tips on navigating the situation without making parents and children feel like the stress of the situation even more they then already do.
3 Tips for Managing Long-Distance Custody Arrangements in Texas
Managing a long-distance custody arrangement can take a bit of adjustment, especially for young children. The key to success is consistency. If you and your co-parent adhere to the three following tips, you and your children can hopefully adjust with as little conflict as possible:
Schedule Ahead
It may seem like a no-brainer, but having a set schedule to follow can really help with the adjustment period for the children. A consistent routine will normalize the process and make the traveling aspect seem less daunting. A lawyer can help with the possession and access schedule.
Having a consistent possession and access schedule gives everyone a better chance at consistency and allows for more productive stays.
Keep Both Parents Involved in Decision-Making Process
When it comes to big decisions, it’s vital to keep both parents involved. Making big health-related or education decisions with input from both parents could prevent unnecessary division between the homes. There is already a physical distance between both parents. it helps to avoid an emotional one when and where possible.
Consult the other parent when deciding if your child can go on the big field trip to New York or whether or not they can finally get an iPad for Christmas. By working together, you are erasing the long-distance barrier between houses and forming a more united parental unit.
Stay Consistent
Just because their parents are hours or even states away doesn’t mean the house rules change. Sure, there are bound to be slight differences in parenting. This would be the case long-distance or not. However, if the children’s bedtime is six at one house, it should probably be six at the other. This consistency ties into every other aspect of navigating a long-distance custody arrangement. It is better for the children’s mental health and stability to have a consistent idea of what home life looks like, even if the two homes aren’t physically close together.
Consult With a Knowledgeable Texas Family Lawyer Today
Finding a way to co-parent, no matter the distance, is beneficial for the entire family. However, there are times when regardless of how much you try to co-parent with your former spouse or partner, he or she may be unwilling or unable to meet you halfway. We at the Moffett Law Firm are skilled litigators willing and able to help you in the event that co-parenting has failed and litigation is necessary to ensure the needs of your child or children are met and protected. We are here to help with custody arrangements, possession and access schedules, rights and duties, child support and any other needs your children may have. Our team of knowledgeable family attorneys has devoted years to helping our local community in Texas and would love to do the same for you.
If you are looking for a family lawyer to consult, look no further than Moffett Law Firm. Call us today at (713) 333-5800 or use our contact form.