Travel is a common way to bond with children and make lifelong memories. Families frequently plan trips to national parks, natural wonders and exciting destinations, such as amusement parks. Those trips may take them out of the state or even to another country.
Recently divorced or separated parents who share custody may want to consider traveling with their children to reconnect after a stressful time. They may want to go camping or travel abroad to visit family members. However, parents who share custody may feel uncertain about their rights.
Can parents who share custody travel with their children?
Consent is sometimes necessary to travel
Every custody order contains unique terms that reflect the family’s circumstances. In some cases, parents may include restrictions on travel. If there is reason to worry about parental kidnapping, restrictions on out-of-state travel could be helpful.
If there are restrictions in the custody order, then the parent planning the trip has to obtain the consent of the other parent or approval from the courts. Otherwise, parents can generally make travel arrangements as long as they do not infringe on the other parent’s time with the children. Their shared legal custody gives them the right to make plans during their own parenting time.
International travel typically requires consent from both parents, especially when one parent has connections in another country. Thankfully, domestic travel, especially during a parent’s scheduled time with their children, may not require pre-approval.
Reviewing a parenting plan and one’s schedule for shared custody with a skilled legal team could help parents plan for a trip with their children without risking a major parenting dispute or enforcement actions. Even parents who share custody can generally take their children on vacations to build new memories if they follow the right steps.
