There are over 875,000 couples who file for divorce each year, and many of those filing have children. Any family that is dealing with a separation should have an idea of what they think will work for all parties involved when starting the process. It is more important for a couple to have a formal plan ordered by the court if one of them resides outside of the country. Because other countries may not have the same laws, it is necessary for parents to know what legally needs to be in place before an ex-spouse takes the children out of the country.
Why Are Some Custody Decisions Modified?
When a couple has separated and does not live in the same country, whether it’s due to relocation for work or moving in with a new partner, it is best for parents to have a long-distance agreement when it comes to custody. Because of distance, the child or children will have to travel back and forth between both parents. How often they are able to do this depends on their age and any special needs that they may have while they are traveling. If a plan was already in place before the move it may have to be modified to accommodate the new changes. If the travel takes the child out of the country it is important for parents to have a clear understanding of the planned dates for arrival and departure.
How To Improve A Coparenting Plan
When developing a co-parenting plan it is best to try to keep good communication between both parents and the children involved. This can help to be achieved by:
· Teaching the children how to make long-distance calls including international numbers, and considering an international option for a phone plan.
· Allowing written communication through emails or letters to help keep in contact in different time zones.
· Avoiding making the child travel back and forth, and instead making visits from either parent available when they have time, which can potentially provide more visitation time for both parents.
It is important for both parents to have clear and realistic expectations in place to make it easier for the children to understand. This way the child knows what to expect and can take action if either parent deviates from the plan due to a grievance they may have with the other parent. A collaborative divorce is the smoothest route for all parties involved and will cost less in court costs over time.
What If One Parent is Leaving the Country Permanently?
If one parent was in the country due to a family visa and is moving out of the country now that the marriage is ending, it is even more important to have a permanent custody agreement in place. This is especially true if any of the children are younger as they may have a harder time traveling. If the parents do not have a solid agreement in place that can be enforced then the parent in the United States may have a harder time getting his or her children back. An older child may be able to recognize if this kind of dangerous situation occurs and can communicate this with his or her other parent. To avoid this type of situation it is best that both parents agree on the custody agreement and work to maintain it.