Child’s Travel Expenses Between Homes

Even when parents cooperate, moving a child between distant homes costs money—airfare, gas, hotel nights, baggage fees. Disputes shrink when orders price travel realistically and route reimbursements through clear, time‑bound steps.

Define the travel mode and class. Specify airline, class (economy), and whether checked bags are reimbursable. For driving, name the route and reimbursement method: flat per‑trip amount or mileage at the IRS rate with receipts for tolls and parking. For train or bus, specify carriers and refundability rules. Require booking round‑trip tickets at least 21 days in advance unless an emergency prevents it.

Split costs predictably. Common splits include 50/50, proportional to income, or “mover pays” (the parent who relocated bears most costs). Whatever you choose, put it in the order and include a cap per trip or per year with a review clause if prices surge. If one parent consistently books late or chooses premium fares, reimburse only up to a reasonable benchmark (e.g., average of three quotes captured the same week).

Safety and escorts. For younger children, airline escort services add cost but reduce risk. Decide who pays and who accompanies the child to the gate. Require handoffs at security with photo confirmations. For teens, require direct flights where possible and written permission for connections with minimum layover times.

Receipts and deadlines. Use a shared folder for PDFs of ticket purchases, boarding passes, and hotel invoices. Reimburse within 30 days of receipt unless a payment plan is agreed for large seasonal blocks (e.g., summer flights). State that failure to provide receipts within 60 days forfeits reimbursement for that trip—courts like bright lines.

Coordination with support. Consider whether travel costs justify a small monthly credit, a seasonal adjustment, or simply separate reimbursements. Avoid double counting: don’t reduce monthly support and also split airfare unless the order clearly intends both. Put the math in the order so payroll and the SDU can implement correctly if there’s a credit component.

Contingencies. Flights cancel; cars break down. Require both parents to cooperate to rebook the next available itinerary and share any change fees according to the normal split unless one parent caused the change by delay. For missed connections, authorize reasonable hotel stays, meals within per‑diem limits, and ground transportation.

Bottom line. Travel is a predictable expense—treat it like one. Name the mode, set the split, enforce deadlines, and plug the numbers into the order so reimbursements run like clockwork, not arguments.

Disclaimer: Educational information only; not legal advice. Court practices vary by state and change over time. Consult a licensed attorney.

Worked example. Two flights per year at an average of $350 each, plus one holiday trip at $500, total $1,200. Parents split proportional to income: 60/40. The paying parent books at least 30 days ahead and uploads receipts within 48 hours; the other reimburses their 40% within 30 days. If fares exceed $450 for a single leg, the purchaser must obtain consent before booking or bear the excess unless the increase was due to airline cancellations. This simple math keeps surprises out of the airport check‑in line.