When a parent moves away with a child, visits with the other parent can become harder and more expensive. Plane tickets, gas and other travel costs can add up quickly. Parents may need to decide who pays these expenses and how the child will travel between homes.
Deciding who covers travel costs
Virginia law does not automatically make one parent pay every travel expense after a move. Instead, the custody details and the family’s circumstances can affect how parents divide these costs.
In fact, Virginia’s child support law allows courts to consider custody arrangements, including the cost of travel for visitation, when deciding whether to adjust the guideline child support amount.
As a result, parents may split travel costs or divide them based on income. In other situations, one parent may cover more of the expense. The court has room to consider the circumstances rather than follow one rule for every family.
Planning how the child will travel
Cost is only part of the issue. Parents should also decide who will drive, book flights and handle pickup and drop-off. For air travel, the plan can address baggage charges and airline fees for children who fly without an adult.
Virginia court guidance notes that visitation plans may consider the distance a child must travel, available transportation and each parent’s ability to share transportation duties. Therefore, a detailed plan can reduce confusion later.
Holiday travel may need extra attention. Tickets often cost more during busy periods, and flight schedules can change. Parents can set deadlines for booking tickets and decide what happens if plans change. They can also identify airports or meeting points ahead of time.
Making travel arrangements workable
A relocation can also require changes to an existing parenting plan. Under Virginia law, custody and visitation orders generally require a parent who plans to relocate to give the court and the other parent 30 days’ written notice unless the court finds good cause to allow otherwise.
Clear transportation terms can help both parents manage distance while keeping visits predictable for the child. An attorney can help a parent review travel costs, schedules and existing court orders. Legal guidance may also help parents create practical terms that fit their child’s needs and reduce future disputes.