Relocating is often possible after parents divorce, but it can be complicated. When a court has already approved a child custody order, they may need to modify it before they relocate so that they do not violate the terms, which generally don’t allow relocation without the other parent’s and the court’s consent.
Before approving the relocation, the judge may ask for good faith reasons why a parent wants to move. They may be concerned that the parent is just moving to try to interfere with their ex’s child custody rights. They want to see genuine reasons why the move is beneficial or necessary, and in the child’s best interests.
Some examples
Every case is unique, but below are three common examples for relocation that may be useful:
- Returning to school: It may be necessary for the parent to live in a different city or state to attend college, and getting their degree may help them raise their standard of living – therefore better providing for their child.
- Taking a job offer: If someone does not have steady employment, it can be very helpful for them to move if they have been offered a job, even if that is in another part of the state or the country. Again, this can raise the standard of living for both the parent and the child.
- Moving near family members: After a divorce, many parents need assistance watching the child while they’re working. Since they are no longer married, they may want to move to be near extended family members. This helps them care for the child and build relationships between the child and their grandparents or other extended family members.
These are just a few examples to keep in mind, but they help to demonstrate the types of things the court is looking for during a custody modification request. It is important for parents to understand their legal rights and obligations.