Relocation

The law on relocation cases varies from state to state and can be confusing and convoluted.  It’s best to have experienced counsel on these difficult cases.  In most states, a court considers factors such as these when making hard choices about relocation:

• Motives
• Quality of life
  • Needs of the child
  • Child’s choice (when age appropriate)
  • Moving parent’s ability to provide support
  • Child’s community (friends and family)
  • Education advantages
  • Child’s relationship with their parents
• The impact on the relationship between the child and the “noncustodial parent”
• The distance between parents
• Age and maturity of the child

The decision to move can be excruciating for parents. Careers, education, and health needs can all push parents into a choice where there is no good option.  Does a parent stay near their child and his or her community, or uproot the family for what could be a better life in a different city?  Or worse, leave the children behind and have a much-reduced parenting time schedule?

These are deeply personal choices and should be carefully considered.  Consequences and change are inevitable, but the goal is to figure out a workable solution for an improvement in the lives of the children.

Depending on the individual’s situation, there may be factors that would benefit moving their child with them to a new town, city, or state.

Parents may consider relocation if:

• The move would put them closer to other family members
• A better job or housing opportunity is available
• A regular visitation would still be possible