As a way of moving forward with life post-divorce and considering your new financial circumstances, you might decide to relocate to a new location with your children. Generally, child custody arrangements should indicate if you are permitted to relocate with your children, including geographical limitations or how far you can move. Even so, if your child custody agreement does indicate so, the first thing you need to do is to discuss with the other parent your decision of relocating with the children. If you fail to consult with them first, there are several problems that could run into.
Relocating After Divorce? Here’s What You Need to Know about Custody Changes
The biggest issue you could encounter is being charged with kidnapping even if you are the child’s guardian, if you fail to inform the other parent of the decision to move without their permission. Most of the time, if your ex-spouse refuses to allow you to relocate with the children, you will have to take the matter to court. In court, the important thing to remember is to convince the judge that relocating is in the best interests of the children. With your decision to relocate with your children, there are things you need to consider that could affect the present child custody arrangement.
A child custody arrangement technically has four components. These are (1) legal and physical custody; (2) parenting time schedule; (3) child-rearing decisions; and (4) childcare expenses.
The age and maturity of the child, his or her health constitution, school schedule, the work schedule of the parents, the distance between the homes, and the type of travel one needs to go through are several things you need to think about before finalization of the child custody arrangement.
If you are planning to move out of state, it may not have an effect on the present terms of your child custody arrangement. Keep in mind that you need to consider the best interests of your children. If the agreement could be worked out and moving out of state would have no negative consequence or impact on your child’s well-being, you might be able to relocate with your children out of state.
If you are planning to relocate out of state with the children, it is highly recommended that you consult a Schaumburg, IL divorce attorney first. We are here to help you understand the process while always putting the best interests of the children first. Get started today by scheduling your consultation.