Life after divorce can be complicated and messy. Not only is it a difficult path for both parents involved, it can be especially hard on children. It is not uncommon for relocation of one parent to take place after a divorce. So if you are relocating with a child after a divorce, you might want to seek some advice on how to make it feel easier for them and for you.

This guide has 3 helpful tricks to help you relocate after your divorce, which will help to make the process feel smoother and less stressful.

Relocating With A Child After A Divorce

If not handled appropriately, it could potentially create a slew of emotional and behavioral problems for the child in the future. It’s crucial to remember that their lives have been significantly altered, and it may take some time for them to come to terms with their new reality as well as a new home, in a new location. Here are some tips to keep in mind when relocating after a divorce:

1. Organize your real estate documents

The first step in relocating is, of course, finding a new place to live. A divorce can often lead each parent to have a new financial situation. Before buying a new home, you must be aware of your budget and how much you can afford. Fortunately, you can get preapproved for your mortgage online by filling out a quick application. A preapproval is a great first step in the process of buying a home. To be approved, lenders look at income, assets and credit score to determine how much money you can borrow to buy a home as well as what your interest rate might be. The ability to do this online will not only save you time, but it will allow for a smoother transition for you and your child down the road. Children tend to pick up on their parents’ moods, so the less stress you have about the home buying process, the easier the transition will be for everyone involved.

2. Look into prospective schools

In addition to having your real estate documents in order, it’s also a good idea to be searching for prospective schools for your child ahead of time. Looking for a new district to send your child to can feel overwhelming, especially in an unknown area. Start with a broad search filter in your designated area, filtering by grade level and ratings based on test scores, parent reviews, and more. Don’t be afraid to ask realtors about the schools nearby, or even take a tour to get a better feel for the facility and the people within. 

3. Plan long distance co-parenting strategies

Parenting from a distance can be hard. It’s important that both parents are on the same page about how they’re going to manage it. A good first step to take in the planning process is to create a schedule, both weekly and monthly. An open line of communication during the week is essential to maintaining a healthy relationship with your child. Keep one another “in-the-know” with your child’s day-to-day life. Additionally, if possible, plan visitation times and the duration of each stay up to a year in advance. A consistent schedule can help your child build trust in each parent. Lastly, make technology your friend. If all of this sounds overwhelming, use a co-parenting app to take advantage of having all your parenting communication in one place. 

How to Ease Your Child’s Relocation After a Divorce

When all is said and done, it’s imperative to remember that children are resilient, and there is no wrong way to relocate after a divorce. Do what’s best for you and your child, and everything will work itself out.