Even though you have decided to split with your child’s other parent, you may want to do everything to maintain the same closeness in your relationship with your child. With fairness also in mind, this may have you wanting the traditional 50/50 split in child custody. However, this arrangement may be deemed impractical if you and your soon-to-be former spouse are going through what is known as a long-distance divorce. Well, with that being said, please continue reading to learn how child custody works in a long-distance divorce and how an experienced Bergen County child custody attorney at McNerney & McAuliffe can fight for an ideal agreement for all involved parties.
What is considered to be a long-distance divorce?
Essentially, a long-distance divorce is one in which you and your soon-to-be former spouse are geographically separated in different states or even different countries. This may pose potential challenges during your legal proceedings, as one of you may have to do video conferences to make court appearances or otherwise communicate with the court. But even more so, it may present complications when trying to figure out a child custody arrangement that allows both of you to maintain a meaningful connection with your shared child.
We understand that sometimes certain circumstances force you to move out of your child’s home state after your divorce. For one, you may have to take a job in another state where you can earn a higher income, in anticipation of your upcoming child support obligations. Or, you may have to return to the country you originated from before you got married, as your extended family may need you physically, emotionally, and financially.
How does child custody work in a long-distance divorce?
In a long-distance divorce, you may expect the parent to remain in the child’s home state to get primary custody, while the other parent may be granted scheduled visitation rights. Specifically, the other parent may get the child for extended weekend visits, holidays, and school breaks. This is because any other arrangement may disrupt the child’s school schedule and the extracurricular events they have already committed to and enjoy participating in. Plus, especially if the child is of a very minor age, having to undergo these travel logistics any more frequently may be too taxing on them.
It is worth mentioning that both parents’ work schedules also influence the New Jersey family court’s coordination of a custody schedule. For example, the court may not schedule extended weekend visits if the parent is required to work full-time shifts on these days. The court may also consider the child’s input if they are deemed mature enough in age. That is, the child may express their desire to remain in the hometown during their summer break, as they may have already made plans with their friends and extended family.
There is no sense delaying your divorce proceedings if you know parting ways with your spouse is in your best interest. So please get in touch with a skilled Bergen County family law attorney from McNerney & McAuliffe today.
