The Question
Can my ex require that I provide all transportation for my weekends with my children? My court order does not specify who provides transportation on my weekends. My ex decided I should provide it if I want to see my children since he has final decision-making. He is moving further away and said we will have to suspend my weekends if I am unable to provide adequate travel accommodations.
RJ Says
He is NOT being reasonable. Having final decision-making authority does NOT authorize him to suspend your parenting time. I am curious as to whether you pay child support or if a child support worksheet was adopted by the Court. If so, there SHOULD be a provision in the child support worksheet as to how the two of you are supposed to share transportation expenses, which provision could be used to argue that he has a joint obligation to assist in transportation.
Perhaps a demand letter from an experienced attorney would convince him to act more reasonably? Otherwise, another option is for you to file a motion with your Judge asking the Court to address transportation. If Father forced you to involve the Court, it is my opinion that the Court would likely require that he share in transportation obligations fairly.
A qualified and experienced family law attorney can of course assist you in considering your options and then getting where you need to be. Most of us offer free, 1/2-hour consultations, in which your matter can be discussed in detail. That would be a great opportunity to discuss the specifics of your matter and develop a plan. I would encourage you to quickly schedule this free consultation.