Handling child custody issues when you move

Moves are always stressful, whether they are across town or to a different part of the country. Between finding a new home, packing the boxes and figuring out how to transport all of your stuff, it’s no wonder that moving is considered one of life’s most stressful events. However, moving when there is a custody or visitation arrangement in place presents an entirely separate list of challenges.

When a court order is in place that covers custody or visitation, there is usually a stipulation that the order must be reevaluated if either party moves. Sometimes there is a note on how far a parent can move before the court needs to look at the order again, and this is because the court is most concerned about the child being able to maintain access and a relationship with both parents after the move.

If you are the one planning on moving, this means that you would want to consult with an attorney to ensure you are aware of how the move may affect your current visitation schedule before finalizing your plans. You will also need to make sure you follow the guidelines listed in your current court order for notifying the other parent of the intended move.

A request to have the court order reevaluated or modified to reflect the change in circumstances and the continuing best interests of the children can take some time. If you are a noncustodial parent and have just received notice that your ex intends to move with the children, contact us to find out how we can help.