Balancing work and family is challenging, especially for parents who travel frequently for their careers. If you will be divorcing, you may worry that your travel schedule could impact your child custody rights.
Fortunately, the law provides safeguards to help parents who travel for work maintain meaningful relationships with their children. Understanding these protections can help you navigate family law and custody issues confidently.
Types of conservatorship
Texas courts use the term “conservatorship” instead of custody. Parents can be named joint managing conservators, meaning they share decision-making responsibilities, or sole managing conservators, where one parent has primary authority.
Even if you travel often, you can still obtain joint managing conservatorship, provided that you demonstrate the ability to maintain a stable and supportive child environment.
Visitation schedules for traveling parents
The law allows parents some flexibility in visitation schedules, particularly for those required to travel frequently. Standard possession orders outline the parent’s visitation rights, but courts can grant modifications based on work-related travel requirements. Parents can also request extended summer visitation or virtual parenting time to maintain strong parent-child bonds.
Providing stability despite frequent travel
Courts prioritize the child’s best interests, meaning parents who travel must show they can still provide stability. This may include maintaining a consistent home environment, arranging reliable childcare and prioritizing frequent communication with the child. Demonstrating a commitment to your child’s emotional and educational needs can strengthen your case.
Dealing with child custody issues as a traveling parent can be complex and even worrisome, but the law offers solutions to protect your relationship with your child. Having experienced legal guidance can help you seek the arrangement that works best for your unique situation.