In a recent ruling by the North Carolina Court of Appeals, a father’s demands for money or extra custody days before allowing his ex-wife to take their children on international trips were deemed not to prioritize the children’s best interests. The case, Fey v. Fey, centered on a divorce dispute between Edward and Jennifer Fey, who share two minor children.
After struggling to agree on international travel plans, a parenting coordinator was appointed to manage their custody disagreements. Jennifer sought permission for a holiday abroad, but Edward consistently refused, asking for either \$3,000 or additional custody days. This led Jennifer to take the matter to the parenting coordinator, who established a formal process to handle future travel requests.
The coordinator’s protocol required advance written notice of proposed travel, a five-day response window for the non-traveling parent, and outlined procedures for resolving disputes if one parent objected. Edward challenged this decision in court, arguing that it altered their original custody agreement. However, the Forsyth County District Court upheld the coordinator’s authority, leading Edward to appeal.
On November 4, 2026, the appeals court confirmed the lower court’s decision, affirming that the parenting coordinator had acted within her legal powers. The judges emphasized that the travel rules did not change the custody agreement but provided a constructive method to address travel disputes, ensuring the children’s best interests were prioritized.
This ruling clarifies the authority of parenting coordinators in North Carolina, establishing that while they cannot alter custody arrangements or support payments, they can create mechanisms to resolve conflicts about international travel. The court emphasized that parents cannot deny permission for travel without valid safety concerns, thus enhancing children’s opportunities for international experiences despite parental disagreements.
