Sharing parental rights and responsibilities inspires a variety of challenges. Parents have to learn how to communicate effectively with one another. They have to abide by the parenting schedule, even when they feel dissatisfied with how much time they can spend with their children.
They also have to learn to put aside their interpersonal conflicts to work together for the sake of their children and to give up control while the children are with the other parent. In some cases, one parent may struggle to accept the other’s parental authority and rights. They may engage in behavior that infringes on the other’s rights.
Can one parent use GPS technology to track what happens while their children are with their other parent?
GPS tracking typically requires consent
Generally speaking, parties intending to track others using GPS technology need to disclose that intention. Hiding a GPS device on another person’s vehicle could lead to allegations of stalking. So could the use of electronic devices to track the location of children while they are with their other parent.
Parents can agree to allow GPS tracking in some cases. For example, parents who share custody of a child with a tendency to wander may agree that ongoing tracking is ideal for the child’s safety.
GPS tracking without getting pre-approval could lead to allegations of misconduct. Parents may need to discuss the use of technology in their parenting plans to prevent questionable conduct in a shared custody arrangement.
Learning more about state laws can be beneficial for those preparing to negotiate shared child custody or struggling to adapt to co-parenting. GPS tracking is a concern that parents may need to discuss directly with one another, or that may warrant going back to court for a custody modification if it becomes an issue.
