Navigating Travel While Co-Parenting

Navigating travelling when you are co-parenting can be tricky. As a Parenting Co-Ordinator, Mediator, and Accredited Specialist in Family Law, I’m always helping people as they go through this journey to figure out what is best for their kids.

When it comes to travel, parents often forget one important thing: You are required to consult with each other and obtain consent from the other parent to travel overseas with the children.

Key Considerations for Travel Planning

Here are the things that I encourage parents to consider when working out if their kids should travel:

1. Approach one another with a plan

Before you propose travel or consider whether to agree to the kids travelling with the other parent, ensure all of the important details are provided. This transparency helps reduce anxiety and conflict.

Important details and information to include:

• Where will the children be travelling to?
• Between what dates?
• Who is going to be traveling with the children and you?
• Is there a special occasion or is it a holiday?
• How will the travel impact the other parent’s time with the kids?
• Will there be ‘makeup’ time for the parent who is not travelling, or will it work out when the other parent travels in the future?
• Do the children need a passport? Who will pay for it? Who will hold it when they arrive home?
• Will the children need to miss any school time? If yes, will the school give them permission to have time off to travel?

2. Consider the opportunity for your children

Travelling is an incredible experience for your children. They learn, grow, and build beautiful memories. Try to view the trip through their eyes rather than through the lens of the separation.

3. Remember that this is about the kids

It’s tempting to let emotions get the better of you and use travel as an opportunity to hurt the other parent. At the end of the day, saying “no” to travel for the sake of being difficult only hurts your children.

4. Be respectful to each other

This is a challenging time for both parents, especially if this is the first trip after separation. Anxiety is bound to be high. If international travel feels like too big of a step, consider starting small with domestic trips to build trust.

Note: If you have current parenting orders that cover the issue of travel, these specific requirements apply to you—check your orders! If you or your children have safety concerns, please reach out for legal advice immediately.

Our Team

Kelly and her team of lawyers, mediators, and FDRPs can help you with any questions you have about this article.

Call today and schedule a meeting with us via Phone or Zoom: 1300 444 LAW