Child custody is a court-ordered agreement between the parents of a minor child about who will make decisions regarding the child’s welfare and how time will be divided between the parents. Unfortunately, there are many challenging aspects of child custody, and one of them is relocation.
How does relocation impact child custody?
If one parent wants to move out of state, it can have a major impact on the other parent’s visitation rights. For instance, if the custodial parent moves away, the non-custodial parent may have to travel long distances to see their child. This can be very difficult, both logistically and emotionally.
Additionally, relocation can impact the child custody schedule that is in place. For example, if the custodial parent moves closer to the non-custodial parent, they may want to increase the amount of time that the child spends with them. Conversely, if the custodial parent moves further away, they may want to decrease the amount of time that the child spends with the non-custodial parent.
What are some things to consider before relocating with a child?
If you are a custodial parent and you are considering relocating with your child, you should give the non-custodial parent as much notice as possible. This will give them time to adjust to the idea and to make any necessary arrangements. Additionally, you should be willing to work with the other parent to create a new custody schedule that works for both of you. Finally, keep in mind that relocation can be difficult for children, so try to make the transition as smooth as possible for them.
If you are a non-custodial parent and you are facing the prospect of your child moving away, it is important to remember that you still have rights. For instance, you can negotiate with the other parent to ensure that you still have adequate visitation time. Additionally, you can file a motion with the court to modify the custody schedule if necessary.
While relocation can be difficult, it is important to remember that the best interests of the child should always come first. With that in mind, both parents should consider working together to create a new custody arrangement that works for everyone.
