Long-Distance Parenting Plan Template

When Distance Is the Reality

Sometimes relocation happens — either the court allows it, or you're the one who had to move for work. The question becomes: how do you maintain a meaningful relationship with your children across distance? A solid long-distance parenting plan is how.

Summer and Extended Breaks

Long-distance plans typically front-load parenting time into longer blocks:

Summer: 4–8 weeks with the long-distance parent (the majority of summer break)
Winter break: Alternating years — one parent gets Christmas week, the other gets New Year's week, then switch
Spring break: Alternating years
Thanksgiving: Alternating years
Three-day weekends: Consider assigning some to the long-distance parent with advance planning

Monthly Contact

During the school year when the child is with the other parent:

One weekend per month: If distance allows (within driving or a short flight)
Extended weekends: Fly the child in on Thursday evening, return Sunday evening
Mid-week video calls: Scheduled, consistent, non-negotiable

Virtual Visitation Schedule

This is the backbone of long-distance parenting. Build it into the order:

Video calls: 3–4 times per week, same days and times, 20–30 minutes for young children, longer for older ones
Phone calls: As needed beyond scheduled video calls
Texting/messaging: Age-appropriate direct contact between parent and child
Shared activities: Watch a movie together virtually, play online games, do homework via video call

Use Cozi (free) to share a family calendar so both parents see the schedule.

Transportation Cost Sharing

This is often the most contentious part. Common arrangements:

Split 50/50: Most common, each parent pays half
Moving parent pays: If one parent chose to relocate, they may bear more cost
Proportional to income: Higher earner pays more
Alternating: One parent pays for outbound, the other for return
Airline credits: Use frequent flyer miles, book early, consider unaccompanied minor programs

Build the cost-sharing formula into the order so there's no argument later.

Communication Between Parents

Use a co-parenting app for all logistics:

OurFamilyWizard — $99/year, shared calendar, expense tracking
TalkingParents — free tier, court-admissible records
AppClose — free, calendar and messaging

Decision-Making Framework

Clarify who decides what:

Education: Joint decision? Or primary parent decides with consultation?
Medical: Emergency decisions by available parent, planned decisions jointly
Extracurricular activities: Who enrolls, who pays, how does it affect visitation?
Religious upbringing: Agreed upon in the plan

Building in Flexibility

Life changes. A good plan includes:

Right of first refusal: If the custodial parent needs childcare for extended periods, the other parent gets first option
Advance notice for travel: 30–60 days for vacation or schedule changes
Annual review: Both parents agree to review the plan annually and adjust as children grow
Dispute resolution: Mediation before court for disagreements

Making It Work

Long-distance parenting is hard. It requires more effort, more planning, and more intentionality than living nearby. But fathers who commit to consistency — showing up for every video call, never canceling a visit, being present and engaged during their time — build strong bonds regardless of distance.

Resources

Family Law Self-Help Center — parenting plan templates
UpToParents.org — free co-parenting education
OurFamilyWizard — scheduling and communication
Cozi — shared family calendar (free)

Next Steps

Draft your proposed schedule using the framework above
Research transportation costs and build a realistic budget
Propose the plan to the other parent or present it to the court
Set up virtual visitation technology and test it before the first call