Drafting a child custody arrangement that truly satisfies you and your child's other parent will be a challenge regardless of how cordial you both claim to be. When one or both you have a career that requires you to stay on the go, reaching an agreement that you'll be content with becomes even more difficult.

Traveling for work is an aspect of your life that won't affect other facets of divorce, like child support or alimony, but it will definitely be a large factor in a child custody hearing. Unfortunately, being away from home often may not help proceedings go in your favor. However, each situation is different.

It's simple: the more you're away, the harder it will be to convince a judge that you deserve your desired quantity of custody or time with your child. But it's important to note that while prior travel history is accounted for in proceedings, how much you'll be traveling in the future will also be considered. So, if you're planning on changing your work schedule entirely or plan to travel less, you still have a dog in this fight. Either way, there will be a burden to prove that you have the financial, emotional, and physical means to be a custodial parent.

Types of Child Custody

Besides physical custody, there exists legal custody as well. Physical custody determines where a child will reside, while legal custody signifies whether a parent has the right to make certain important decisions for the child. Parents can share both physical custody or legal custody, or one parent may be granted merely physical custody, legal custody, or both. While custody determines much of an agreement, with a fast-paced lifestyle, you'll be more concerned with parenting time and visitation.

Parenting Time and Visitation

A parenting plan will dictate how much time you spend with your child on a day-to-day, weekly, and monthly basis. When crafting a parenting plan, one of the main considerations is how much both parents are at home and away. Even if it is your livelihood, the time you spend traveling is time spent away from your child. But if the judge sees fit, he or she will craft the parenting plan to accommodate your schedule and award you more parent time when you're back to make up for when you're gone. But if your traveling schedule varies and is generally inconsistent, this could be difficult.

Understand that in your unique case, you may have to bite the bullet and agree to be more flexible when it comes to reaching an agreement in child custody proceedings. The ultimate goal in these hearings is to come up with a plan that protects your child's heart and puts your child's best interest at heart. 

New Jersey Family Law Attorney 

If you're involved in child custody proceedings, it's important you retain legal counsel from an attorney who knows their stuff. Joseph D. Lento has helped parents from across the state score an agreement that includes their contributions, protects their parental rights, and most importantly, reflects the best interest of the child. For more information about Lento's representation, contact the Lento Law Firm today online or by phone at 888-535-3686.