Planning for Parenting Time: Ohio's Guide for Parents Living Apart

Long-Distance Parenting and Relocation
GENERAL TIPS
AIR TRAVEL
Ideally, a child younger than eight should not travel alone. If it is
necessary for a child to travel by air, direct flights between major cities
are preferred over multiple stops or plane changes. To save costs, tickets
should be priced at a 30-day advance notice, economy class and using
major carriers. Consult each airline for how and when unaccompanied or
monitored minors may fly. Remember that if a person younger than 18 is
traveling in the United States alone or with only one parent or another
adult, a court order or certified consent letter proving that both parents
permit the trip should be carried.
DELAYS AT EXCHANGE POINTS
Communication is never more important than when a long-distance
exchange occurs. Keep your contact numbers current and notify each
other of the safe arrival of your child. Also, be sure to keep each other
informed of any unforeseen delays as soon as possible. Discuss in
advance what a reasonable waiting time is for each means of
transportation.
DROP-IN VISITS
Opportunities can occur for either parent to be in town when the children
are in the care of the other parent. When such opportunities arise, parents
should be flexible and set aside normal routines to allow contact on short
notice. A lot of good faith can arise from such cooperation. Remember,
the shoe may be on the other foot someday.
FREQUENT MOVES
Families benefit from financial stability in their lives. It also is a fact that
the average U.S. family moves every five years. Typical reasons include
jobs, health, education, marriage and family emergencies. However,
when either parent moves frequently and without good reason, that
parent can expect to bear the burden of the move and pay more for the
costs and travel time of parenting.
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