Long-Distance Visitation Orders After Parents Move Closer to Each Other

Two parents divorced and, after the divorce, the mother moved with the children to the opposite side of a neighboring state. The mother did not seek permission to move, but dad didn't object or seek the children's return. Later, the mother domesticated the custody case in her new state of residence and filed for a long-distance visitation schedule.

Now the mother has moved back across the state and, although still in the new state, is just across the state line, and only ninety minutes away from the father's home. She is still insisting that they follow the long-distance custody order. What should the father do to get a more standard visitation schedule?

He should petition the court that has jurisdiction over the matter to modify the visitation schedule. Given mom's relocation and the distances involved, it would likely make sense to petition for a change of venue to her new county of residence so that custody hearings could occur there. It would be sensible for him to consult a custody lawyer.