Taking a child out of state?

Question

My kids father (whom my 6 & 7 y/o see once to twice a year for a day) wants to take them on an overnight camping trip out of state. We have "shared parental rights" in the state of Maine. I would like to know what my options, responsibilities or rights are.

Answer 1

Visits once or twice a year makes the daddy practically a stranger.

Since the camping involves very young children and an out of state trip - do not let it happen! unless you go with them in your own car - and talk to a lawyer about visitation rights for occasional dad.

Too many out of state trips end up to be parental kidnapping or parental sexual abuse - do not be afraid to be called controlling or other nasty names. A good dad would have been more involved and would see the stupidity of wanting an out of state trip.

If the kids are already excited about camping - put your foot down and say camping can happen in your own back yard until dad gets reacquainted with his kids and prove his trust worthiness.