Parents live a distance apart, 50/50 sch, No PPR, Where does our child go to school?

[DK1]

I agree with everyone else that in your situation, 50/50 is impractical once the child begins school. It worked when my ex and I lived 45 minutes apart because I was willing to drive 45 minutes to drop the kids at school 3 mornings/week and then drive the 45 minutes to work, and make the same trip in the evenings 3 days/week.

However, I know that a lot of parents aren't willing to do that.

I also agree that mediation is unlikely to help much. I would recommend, if you and Mom can't agree on something and you're both unwilling to budge, that one of you file in court as soon as possible so there's at least a chance this can be decided prior to school starting in the Fall.

I will say that I think Mom has an edge only because she lives in the state where the original order was created, and generally speaking I've seen fewer judges be willing to change states without a compelling reason. Your 'better' public school isn't much of a compelling reason. Neither is the fact that kiddo has friends in your neighborhood. I'm betting he either has friends in Mom's area too, or is capable of making them once school starts.

Nextwife, thanks for clarifying. Mom moved to a different state. CJane, thanks for vote of confidence.

50/50 has been a difficult road...... I've been reading a lot on this forum over the past year and half to try and figure out how to resolve this or suggestions to find the best solution. What are significant factors that would way into the judges decision?

I feel that time is running short to get this started. How long does this process take once the court process is started and what can I expect the time line to look like and what events will take place? Is this a circumstance where parenting evals are required?

What type of schedule would be reasonable considering our son is with us equal time right now?

 

[mistoffolees]

Thank you for all the advice / comments. I feel that time is running short to get this started. How long does this process take once the court process is started and what can I expect from the judge? Is this a circumstance where parenting evals are required?

What type of schedule would be reasonable considering our son is with us equal time right now?

The process time depends very much on your court. Ask the court clerk how long it's currently taking to get a hearing. My guess is that if you start today, you MIGHT have a decision before school starts next fall.

The schedule could be whatever the two of you work out. Alternating holidays, every other weekend, and some extended time in the summer would be typical. Maybe school vacations thrown in, as well.