How Will Your Planned Move Affect Your Children?
There are many situations in life that cause people to consider relocating to another city or state. When you have custody over a child whose other parent also has custody or visitation rights, relocation can become a particularly complicated issue with legal consequences.
At the Diamond Law Firm in Los Angeles, we offer skilled, attentive representation in parental relocation cases. To schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced family law attorneys, contact us today.
The Court's Role in Approving Relocation With the Child
Once a family court has issued a child custody or visitation order with respect to a child, if either parent wants to move out of the county or out of California entirely with the child, it is necessary to notify the other parent and get permission from the family court.
Moving away with a child without permission when the other parent has custody or visitation rights is considered kidnapping and is taken very seriously by law enforcement and the courts.
It is difficult to get permission for parental relocation with a child. If the court has previously decided that it is in the child's best interests for both parents to have joint custody, you need to show that the child's interests are served by a modification to the custody arrangement.
A move that may be beneficial for you may not be beneficial for your child. On the other hand, it may create opportunities for the child. The important thing is to focus on the child's interests.
The Potential Impact of Relocating Without the Child
There are not as many restrictions on parental relocation without the child. However, once a parent has moved away from his or her child, it may no longer be appropriate for that parent to have joint custody. Also, it may be appropriate for him or her to pay more child support.
The lawyers at our firm are experienced at representing either side in parental relocation cases. Contact us to discuss how we can help you pursue your relocation goals or respond to a relocation request by your child's other parent.
