Navigating Holiday Travel with Custody in Mind
Are you wanting to travel for the holidays and you’re not sure if you can take your child with you? I’m Tulsa family law attorney Carl Birkhead with Wirth Law Office in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I’ve been practicing for a little over seven years now, mainly in family and criminal law. And I wanna help you make law easy by talking about traveling with the child during the holidays.
Key Considerations for Out-of-State Travel
Most custody orders don’t include detailed rules on out-of-state travel with a child—though some do, and if yours does, follow it to the letter. But when your decree is silent on the issue, here’s what you need to know, especially during the holidays when parents often want to travel. If there’s no restriction against it and your trip isn’t inappropriate—like secretly moving, exposing the child to unsafe people, or taking a toddler to Vegas casinos—you’re generally free to take a vacation with your kids during your scheduled time.
That said, here are some best practices:
-
-
-
- Give Notice: Let your co-parent know about your trip. It’s respectful and practical. If you’re headed somewhere warm, the other parent can pack accordingly (think swimsuits instead of winter coats).
-
-
-
-
-
- Share Basic Info: Every parent has a right to know where their child is. No need for constant tracking, but provide key details—where you’re going, how long you’ll be there, and a backup contact (hotel, relatives, etc.) in case of emergency.
-
-
-
-
-
- Ensure Daily Contact: During the holidays, make sure your child can call or FaceTime the other parent at least once a day. A quick good morning or good night call makes a huge difference, especially for non-custodial parents.
-
-
Balancing Parental Responsibilities During a Trip
At the end of the day, it’s about balancing your time with your child while respecting the co-parent’s rights. Keep communication open, be reasonable, and enjoy your trip with your child!
If you have questions about this, or you’re just not sure if you’re even permitted to travel out of state, definitely give us a call. I’m Tulsa family lawyer Carl Birkhead, I’m with Wirth Law Office, and I want to make law easy.
Schedule a Low-Cost Initial Strategy Session
If you’re seeking personalized guidance or have specific questions about traveling with your child, contact us for a low-cost initial strategy session. Call 918-879-1681 today to speak with me, Carl Birkhead, at Wirth Law Office. Let’s make this holiday travel season stress-free and enjoyable for you and your family.
