Can your ex take the kids out of state on vacation?

On Behalf of | May 26, 2021 | family law |

One of the hardest things about a divorce with minor children in North Carolina is the requirement to share custody with your ex afterward. The two of you will likely continue to disagree about aspects of parenting, ranging from how you discipline the children to how you split parenting time during summer vacation. 

Even after you have a schedule set, your ex may still try to push your boundaries. You may wonder if they can just take your kids to Disney World or New York City for vacation during their parenting time?

What does your custody order say? 

Most modern custody orders have certain restrictions on travel with the children. A custody order can limit how far a parent can relocate with the children if they decide to move after the divorce. It may also limit how far someone can travel with the children without getting approval from their ex or the courts. 

Travel out of state can make parents worried about abduction or missing out on their parenting time. If you don’t agree with your ex’s request to travel, then you may decide to go to court over it.

Do you have valid reasons to worry about such travel?

If your ex has a history of attempted parental kidnapping, moving across state lines to avoid obligations or trying to use the children as a weapon against you, then you may have very realistic concerns about what travel could mean for your parental rights. 

If your ex tries to go to court to ask for approval for travel, you may be able to push back by showing documentation that validates your concerns. 

The better you understand your rights as a parent sharing custody in North Carolina, the easier it will be for you to advocate for yourself and your relationship with the children after a divorce.

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