When they divorce, New Jersey parents might plan to remain near one another so that their children do not undergo too much disruption. If a custodial parent decides to move due to an involvement with a new partner, this can create complications for the other parent and for the child. The child might feel isolated in a new community, and the other parent might struggle with the commute. There may also be tension between the new partner and the ex-spouse.
Parents may still be angry with one another for years after the divorce, but if they allow this tension to enter their parenting relationship, it may be the child who loses. For example, the parent who did not move might decide they no longer want to take on the extra commute.
A better solution might be to visit a mediator who can help the parents get back on track with a schedule that works for everyone. There might be a number of other issues that the two need to work out around the move as well. The child might decide that they want to live with the parent who has moved. Extracurricular activities might need to be rearranged, and there might even be a change in child support if one parent has increased transportation expenses.
If parents can work together during the divorce to come to an agreement regarding child custody and other issues, they may be happier with the outcome than they would be if the case went to litigation. The advantage of an approach that uses mediation is that it focuses on a compromise that satisfies both parties instead of the adversarial approach of litigation. However, if one parent will not work with another or there are problems such as domestic violence, litigation might be necessary.
