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.
Here are the things that I encourage parents to consider when working out if their kids should travel.
🔹Approach one another with a plan. Before you propose travel with the other parent or consider whether to agree to the kids travelling with the other parent, ensure all of the important details are provided.
Important details and information like:
- 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?
🔹Consider the amazing opportunity that this could be for your children. Travelling is an incredible experience for your children. They learn, grow, and build beautiful memories.
🔹Remember that this is about the kids. It’s tempting to let emotions get the better of you in these situations and to make this an opportunity to hurt the other parent or get back at them for being a pain. At the end of the day though, saying no to travel for this reason will only hurt your kids.
🔹Be respectful to each other. This is a challenging time for both arents, especially if this is the first travel after separation. Anxiety is bound to be high. Remember to be respectful of each other’s feelings. If it is a big problem for the other parent, start small.
(Note: if you have current parenting orders that cover the issue of travel this may not apply to you, but check your orders!
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If you or your children have any safety concerns, this post is not for you. Please feel free to reach out for advice or speak to your lawyer.)
Our Team
Kelly and her team of lawyers and mediators and FDRP’s can help you with any questions that you have about this article. Call today and schedule a meeting with us via Phone or Zoom 1300 444 LAW.
