Moving With a Child After Separation or Divorce: What Parents Should Know
Moving after a separation or divorce can affect parenting schedules, transportation, school arrangements, and a child's relationship with both parents. When a child is involved, it is important to consider the legal implications before making plans to relocate.
Nelson Law Office helps individuals navigate family law matters, including custody, parenting time, and relocation concerns. Licensed in both Minnesota and Wisconsin, Nelson Law Office can help parents understand the legal considerations that may apply when they are thinking about moving with a child after a separation or divorce.
If you are considering relocating with your child, contact Nelson Law Office at 651-300-0036 to discuss your situation and learn more about your options.
Why Does a Move Matter?
A move may affect several aspects of a child's daily life and the existing parenting arrangement, including:
The child's school
Parenting time
Transportation
Child-care arrangements
Holiday schedules
Communication between parents
The child's relationship with each parent
A move across town may have very different consequences than a move to another state. Depending on the circumstances, relocation may require changes to the parenting schedule or additional arrangements to maintain the child's relationship with both parents.
At Nelson Law Office, we understand that relocation decisions can involve complicated family and legal considerations. Reviewing how a proposed move may affect your existing parenting arrangement is an important step before making plans.
Review Your Existing Order
Before making plans to move, carefully review any existing custody, parenting-time, or placement order.
The order may contain requirements regarding relocation, notice, or parenting arrangements. The legal requirements can also depend on the state involved and the specific circumstances of your case.
If you are unsure whether your proposed move is permitted under your current order, Nelson Law Office can help you understand why reviewing the applicable requirements with a family law attorney is important before taking action.
Communicate With the Other Parent
If appropriate and safe, discuss the proposed move with the other parent. Early communication may help parents identify concerns and determine whether adjustments to the existing parenting arrangement are possible.
Important issues to consider may include:
Where the child will attend school
Transportation
Changes to the parenting schedule
Holiday and summer arrangements
How travel expenses will be handled
Considering these issues in advance may help parents better understand how the relocation could affect their child and the practical responsibilities of each parent.
What If the Parents Disagree?
If the parents cannot agree, the legal process for addressing the proposed move depends on the state, the existing order, and the specific circumstances.
Parents should not assume they can simply relocate with a child without considering the applicable legal requirements. Depending on the situation, court approval, consent, or other legal steps may be necessary.
Nelson Law Office, licensed in both Minnesota and Wisconsin, can help parents understand the family law considerations involved in relocation and identify questions to address before making decisions.
Talk to an Attorney Before Moving
Relocation issues can become complicated quickly, particularly when parents disagree about where a child should live or how parenting time should be handled.
If you are considering moving with your child after a separation or divorce, speaking with a family law attorney before making arrangements can help you understand your rights, responsibilities, and available options.
Nelson Law Office can help you better understand the legal considerations surrounding custody, parenting time, and relocation under the applicable state law.
Contact Nelson Law Office
Are you considering moving with your child after a separation or divorce? Nelson Law Office can help you understand your family law options before you make important relocation decisions.
Our firm is licensed in both Minnesota and Wisconsin and assists individuals with family law matters, including custody and parenting-related concerns.
Call 651-300-0036 to contact Nelson Law Office and discuss your questions.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.