When a custodial parent (the parent with whom the child lives) relocates with a child, it can cause additional hardship on an already challenging child custody situation. This often makes co-parenting difficult. It also forces a child to have a long-distance relationship with their own parent.
If the custodial parent relocates, a relocation dispute can arise since it may affect custody rights and visitation. This usually happens if there is no agreement between the parties.
It depends. If you have legitimate reasons to move you will have to ask a judge for permission to move your child out-of-state. The judge will consider a number of factors and make a decision on whether to allow you to take your child out of state. But if you ignore the court order and move your child without getting the court's consent, you will face significant consequences.
When disputes like this come up, courts decide whether child custody relocation is in the best interests of the child. If not, they can require the custodial parent to remain in the state.
Child custody relocation laws vary greatly among the states, especially when it comes to the following:
State laws also vary what presumptions courts can apply in a case.
Many states only allow child custody relocation if there is a custody agreement in place that contains a provision allowing relocation and a proposed visitation schedule.
This typically takes place during the original child custody hearings and is usually contained within a clause in the child custody plan.
Some states require a custodial parent to give notice (usually written) to the noncustodial parent of an intended move within a specified time period (for example, within 30, 60, or 90 days of an intended move).
In addition to a notice requirement, some states also require the noncustodial parent to either consent or object by filing a motion seeking to prevent relocation.
Some states allow a child custody relocation based on distance. For example, if the new location is within a certain distance (for example, over 100 miles), the court may deny relocation even if within the same state.
Other states may consider any move out of the state a significant factor, even if it's barely across state lines.
In addition to the above, some states also require the relocating parent to provide a statement describing a "good faith" reason for the move. This should especially happen if the move would disrupt the child's school schedule or emotional and social stability. Good faith reasons for a move could include the opportunity to:
On the other hand, the court may object to a move based on "bad faith" reasons, such as wanting to move far away from an ex-spouse in revenge or retaliation.
Some states may also consider the noncustodial parent's reasons for objecting to child custody relocation. For example, a court may likely find in the custodial parent's favor and allow the move if the objecting parent:
In almost all states, the relocating parent is required to do the following:
In terms of increased travel costs, some states require a 50-50 split in increased fees. Other states may require the party who is moving to incur most of the transportation costs related to visitation. Again, because the laws vary greatly from state-state, it may be necessary to contact an experienced family law attorney in your area who can help you learn more about the child custody laws in your state.
Maybe. The courts make decisions based on what the best interest of the child is. That usually means having both parents live in the same state with shared parenting time. This helps ensure the child's relationship with both parents remains solid.
But if you can show the move from your home state is within the child's best interests, the court may allow it. You must, however, file a motion with the court and get its approval.
It's also important to note that custody will be decided in the state where your divorce was filed (and where your child lived in the six months prior to divorce), regardless of where you and the child will live.
There are a number of reasons why you may want to move with your child, but when there are child custody orders in place, your freedom to relocate can be restricted. If you plan to relocate now is the time to get legal advice. Contact a child custody attorney near you today to discuss your situation and learn more about the child custody relocation laws in your state.
