Can You Get Reimbursed for Driving for Visitation Exchanges?
So you do most of the driving for transporting your child to and from visitation, and you’re wondering if you can be reimbursed for the extra miles you’re driving. Hi, I’m Tulsa Dads.Law attorney Clint Hastings. I practice here in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and I focus on fathers’ rights. I’ve been practicing family law for about 25 years.
Courts Expect Both Parents to Share Transportation Responsibilities
In general, courts expect both parents to live relatively close to each other. In most cases, each party is expected to handle half of the transportation.
Now, if you’ve agreed to a different arrangement—such as one parent doing most of the driving in exchange for other concessions—that’s fine. But if you can’t reach an agreement, the law allows transportation costs to be divided proportionally based on each parent’s share of combined income.
Calculating Reimbursement for Driving Expenses
For example, if your combined income is split 60/40, with you earning 60%, then the other parent would be responsible for 40% of transportation costs. If you’re doing all the driving, that means she would need to reimburse you for her portion.
How do you calculate reimbursement? Use the IRS mileage reimbursement rate, which is currently $0.70 per mile. You can easily find this rate online. Keep in mind that this amount accounts for more than just gas—it includes wear and tear on your vehicle.
Seeking Legal Assistance for Reimbursement
Once you present those numbers, it’s common for the other parent to reconsider and agree to share the driving equally.
If you’re separated by greater distances—say, two hours apart—and you’re driving round-trip for every other weekend visitation, those miles add up quickly. That could result in $700 or more per month once you include additional visits like holidays.
Take Action and Schedule a Consultation
These reimbursement issues often aren’t addressed unless one party brings them up. Even attorneys sometimes overlook them. But you absolutely can ask the court for reimbursement.
It can get complicated if the driving arrangements vary, but it’s worth discussing and working out a fair solution.
If you need help with child support, transportation expenses, or reimbursements, give Tulsa men’s child custody attorney Clint Hastings a call at 918-962-0900. We’ll be glad to set up a consultation and assist you.
