Here is a sample parenting plan for long distance parents. (My ex and I lived 16 hours one-way from one another (me in Missouri, him in Georgia) and used this... it was modified when I moved 8 hours closer (me in Tennessee, him in Georgia) ). When I lived in Missouri, we were to meet in Nashville, TN as that was halfway. Now that I've moved to Nashville, we meet at a different location which is still halfway for both of us. You should note that my ex and I have "split custody"... he has custody of 2 of our children, I have custody of 1. So, my schedule wording may seem strange when it says "all 3 of the parties minor children".
5. Exchanges:
Regular visitation exchanges as well as Holiday and summer visitation exchanges shall occur in Kennesaw, Georgia, which is the halfway point between the Mother’s and Father’s residences. The parties shall agree on an exact location in Kennesaw where they will meet to facilitate the exchange no less than one (1) week prior to each exchange taking place. Each parent shall have the right to designate their spouse or immediate family members to provide transportation for the children, and, in the absence of the Parent, supervise the child and make minor day-to-day decisions regarding the care and discipline of the children. Mother and Father shall pay their own transportation costs including but not limited to: gas, lodging, and food. Neither parent is required to reimburse the other parent for expenses incurred, unless one parent does not show up for the exchange, thereby putting an unnecessary financial burden on the parent who complied with the provisions herein. If such occasion arises, then the parent that was unduly burdened may file to receive reimbursement of their monies expended.
6. Holiday Schedule:
Summer Visitation: In even numbered years, Father shall have parenting time with all three of the parties minor children from one week after school recesses for the summer break until one week before school resumes classes in the fall. In odd numbered years, Mother shall have parenting time with all three of the parties minor children from one week after school recesses for the summer break until one week before school resumes classes in the fall. For the purpose of defining which weeks parenting time commences and ends, the parties agree to use the school schedule of the child(ren) that recesses latest in the spring and commences earliest in the fall.
Christmas Vacation: In even numbered years, the mother shall have parenting time with all three of the parties minor children from 6:00 pm on the day school recesses until 6:00 pm the day before school resumes classes.
Thanksgiving Vacation: In odd numbered years, the Mother shall have parenting time from 6:00 pm on the day school dismisses, until 6:00 pm on the day prior to school resuming.
Memorial Day: Mother shall have children on each Memorial Day that falls within her summer parenting time schedule. Father shall have children on each Memorial Day that does not fall within the Mother’s summer parenting time.
Labor Day: In odd numbered years, Father shall have the children for Labor Day from 6:00 pm on the Friday before Labor Day until 6:00 pm on Labor Day. In even numbered years, Mother shall have the children for Labor Day from 6:00 pm on the Friday before Labor Day until 6:00 pm on Labor Day.
July 4th: In even numbered years, Father shall have July 4th as part of his summer parenting time. In odd numbered years, Mother shall have July 4th as part of her summer parenting time.
Father’s Day: Father shall have the children on Father’s Day each and every year from 6:00 pm on the Friday before Father’s Day until 6:00 pm on Father’s Day.
Mother’s Day: Mother shall have the children each and every Mother’s Day from 6:00 pm on the Friday before Mother’s Day until 6:00 pm on Mother’s Day.
Children’s Birthdays: In even numbered years, Father shall have the children for their birthdays on either the weekend of their birthday (if it falls on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday) or the weekend before their birthday if it falls on Monday through Thursday. In odd numbered years, Mother shall have the children for their birthdays on either the weekend of their birthday (if it falls on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday) or the weekend before their birthday if it falls on Monday through Thursday.
Other: A.) Any time the Mother travels to the Father’s area of residence she may request additional parenting time with the children. The request must be made within 48 hours of the expected arrival in Father’s area so that arrangements can be made, if necessary, to accommodate this parenting time. Requests for additional parenting time shall not be denied frivolously or without merit.
B.) In the event of death in the immediate family of the Mother, additional parenting time shall be allowed so that children may attend the funeral of the deceased. This parenting time shall be no less than 4 days and shall specifically include the funeral day, the day before and the day after.
So yes, you can have a workable parenting schedule when the parents live in 2 different states.