Facilitating child transportation and physically meeting up for visitation can be a source of contention for many co-parents in Texas. Luckily, there are ways to address potential issues in a child custody agreement.
A visitation transportation plan serves a number of purposes in a child custody agreement. For starters, this plan designates which parent is primarily responsible for providing transportation and sets the location for pick-ups and drop-offs.
Specifically, parents will designate who is responsible for transportation to and from visits (or if there is shared responsibility). The plan can also include who will supply necessary child safety features such as car seats.
Unfortunately, work or school schedules could make it difficult to always arrive on time. That’s why a transportation plan should also spell out how to handle a parent arriving late or denying to provide his/her designated transportation. If the other parent refuses to follow the agreed-upon transportation plan, you may need to contact an attorney for further advice and guidance.
Usually, the pick-up and drop-off location is primarily left up to the parents’ discretion. However, some situations warrant a designated neutral drop-off location. If you feel that the other parent uses exchanges to instigate problems, choosing a safe, public drop-off location is crucial. Ask your attorney if he or she is aware of neutral community drop-off locations. Some parents find the most success reaching out to the local police department to facilitate the exchanges.
Creating a parenting plan can often be difficult, especially if exes feel they don’t get to spend enough time with their kids. However, including a detailed transportation plan in the agreement could benefit both parents. If you’re having trouble negotiating child custody issues with your ex, consider reaching out to a family law attorney.