Opinion ID: 1595736
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 23

Heading: Impact of Move on Contact Between Dwight and Children

Text: The final consideration is the impact of relocation upon Dwight's ability to maintain a meaningful relationship with his children. See, Jack v. Clinton, 259 Neb. 198, 609 N.W.2d 328 (2000); Kalkowski v. Kalkowski, 258 Neb. 1035, 607 N.W.2d 517 (2000); Farnsworth v. Farnsworth, 257 Neb. 242, 597 N.W.2d 592 (1999). Cynthia's testimony in the district court established that she was willing to permit Dwight extensive visitation during summer and school holidays and to pay some of Dwight's travel expenses. Nonetheless, it cannot be questioned that the move to New York would dramatically affect Dwight's contact with the children. As we stated in Kalkowski v. Kalkowski, 258 Neb. at 1047, 607 N.W.2d at 527: We conclude that the question turns on the third Farnsworth consideration, i.e., the impact of relocation upon the ability of Kelly to maintain a meaningful relationship with his children. In Farnsworth, we noted that while a move from Omaha to Denver would necessarily lessen the frequency of visits with the child, the distance between the two cities was not one which would prevent the noncustodial parent from seeing his child on a regular basis. The same cannot be said of the distance between Ogallala, Nebraska, and Camrose, Alberta, Canada. The greater distance, less direct travel connections, and the significant expense and time involved in traveling between the two locations are significant factors which the trial court properly considered. The instant case presents similar considerations. Although the availability of travel connections is greater between Lincoln and New York, the distance, expense, and time involved in such travel is appropriately considered in evaluating the degree to which the move would affect Dwight's contact, and relationship, with his children. Although Cynthia made substantial and commendable concessions on the issue of visitation, it cannot be reasonably questioned that such visitation would allow Dwight significantly less contact with the children and would make it nearly impossible for him to maintain the relationship that he currently enjoys. Cynthia's proposed visitation schedule, while generous, would nonetheless be a poor substitute for the daily interaction Dwight and the children now share. This consideration is significant in our de novo review, given the context of joint legal and physical custody.