Written by: HHLaw (View All Posts
) Published: March 25, 2019
Categorized: Children's Issues.
Moving is a big event. And whether your move takes you across the city or to a different country, chances are good that you will have to do some planning before the move. This is especially crucial if you share parental responsibilities of your child.
Parental relocation can have a dramatic impact on current parenting arrangements. As such, it is important to approach the topic of relocation carefully and avoid the following missteps.
Don’t minimize the impact of relocation
Whether you want to move with your child or not, moving away will likely impact your child’s life and the other parent’s life. You could be moving a child away from his or her friends and home, for instance. And the time each parent spends with a child can be drastically different. Because of this, take seriously the fact that your relocation will affect others.
Don’t leave without notice
Because of all that can change with relocation, it is crucial that you give adequate notice to the other parent. As this article specifies, you should give at least 60 days’ notice to the other parent in writing. Giving notice affords parents and other guardians the opportunity to work out any changes that may need to happen or file an objection to the move.
If you leave without giving notice, you could be at risk of serious consequences. This includes jail time (if you move with your child) and loss of parenting time with your child.
Don’t assume it will all work out
Often, parents can make arrangements to accommodate a move, particularly if the move is unavoidable or provides a child with unique opportunities. That said, there are situations where relocation is unwise or complicated. For instance, relocation may not be in a child’s best interests, or it may require considerable adjustments to a parenting agreement. As such, parents can consult a lawyer when navigating these matters.
Relocating with or without your child can be difficult and there is a lot on the line, from a child’s well-being and time with both parents to job opportunities and real estate transactions. As such, it is imperative that parents have legal guidance and plenty of time to address relocation appropriately.
