Long Distance Visitation-Who does the driving? impartial71: Background (quickly as possible): Divorce was mom's idea. Man at work was better than dad. That relationship is over now plus a few more, mom dating around, dad is remarried. There is joint custody and joint physical custody with dad paying child support.
Here is my question. Dad is moving out of state (700 miles away). Mom says, "It isn't my fault you are moving. I will not be responsible for any transportation. I will not meet you half way, I will not come get them after you have driven to pick them up. Period."
Because there was nothing in the divorce papers about transportation, can mom just say she isn't driving and that is how it is? Can dad say once he has the kids for spring/summer/xmas break, "Listen, I came and got them for vacation, if you want them back you need to come get them."
Anyone been in this situation? What was the outcome? Any input would be appreciated.
Re: Long Distance Visitation-Who does the driving? tcc1c: My orders state transportation- We are to split the cost. she drops him off and i return him. you NEED to come to an agreement between yourselves. don't bring a judge into this... It will only expose both parents inability to see what is best for the children.
Re: Long Distance Visitation-Who does the driving? impartial71: I totally agree. I think dad is wanting to find out from a lawyer if mom can just say, "I am not driving" and that be the end of it.
I agree with the 50/50 transportation. Dad is happy with 50/50 transportation. Mom says negative, there is no compromising on her side. She said that isn't about compromise, that it is dad's fault for moving, he drives. I personally think mom is hurting the kids as if the drive was 50/50 then more time could be spent with dad (like 4 days at Thanksgiving) and mom sees it as sticking it to dad.
When mom and dad got divorced, they lived in the same town and had every other day with the kids, so transportation wasn't an issue and support wasn't paid as they had relatively the same income and each had the kids the same amount of time. Dad moved 70 miles away for a job and mom wasn't happy about that, because it cost her $20 every other weekend when she has to do her 1/2 of the driving. Child support was started (not court ordered, the amt. was decided between mom and dad).
When dad figured out mileage, mom would be driving 300 miles LESS doing 1/2 the driving 3x per year (Spring Break/Summer Vac/Christmas Vac.)than she does driving 1/2 the driving every other weekend. I personally don't see the issue but my opinion doesn't count. ;)
