Transportation and Scheduling

If you’re planning to have a joint physical custody of your child, it is important to work out a good schedule and transportation arrangement with the other parent.

In fixing up a visitation schedule that will not only have your child’s best interest in mind but also be the most convenient for you and the other parent, discussing these details is also very important.

Working out an appropriate schedule

First, you must put down exactly what your child’s schedule comprises of, from school to extracurricular activities. After you’ve got this down, write down your own schedule at work and any other miscellaneous duties like doing the groceries every Saturday for example.

Now you must ask for a detailed schedule from the other parent. You may choose to go over the 3 different schedules together or you both may simply exchange schedules. But don’t forget to provide the other parent with your child’s schedule as well if he/she is not aware of it.

Following this, take your time to figure out the most convenient periods to switch during the week (if your child is younger and needs to have the presence of both parents every few days,) or how and when exactly your child will get to be with the other parent by the end of each week.

Compare with one another about what time and where is most convenient, and agree upon the best schedule. Make sure that if you cannot pick up your child from soccer practice on Tuesday afternoons, the other parent will be able to and vice versa.

If your child’s piano lessons are nearer to the other parent’s location or office, it may be easier if he/she gets to spend time with her on that day or afternoon.

Remember that you want to have the best time available with your child.

As much as possible, your child should feel the care and concern put into these efforts of fixing an appropriate schedule for him/her. The child shouldn’t feel as if he/she is merely being passed off to another every time one parent is busy. This isn’t the kind of parenting vibe either of you should be emitting. Remind your child that these schedules are made in order to provide him/her with the best time with each of his/her parents.

Make an extra effort in the best interest of your child

If at a certain time only one of you has access to transportation for your child, it would be good if you could make the effort to bring your child to the other parent. Even if this may be an extra effort on your part, think of it as an effort made in the best interest of your child. You may have your disagreements with the other parent, but he/she is still your child’s parent and your child deserves to feel the presence of both parents in his/her life if they both want to have an active part in it.

To learn more about divorce, please Divorce Guide.