Many people don't live all their lives in one place. However, if you got custody of your child after your divorce, the decision on when and where to move may not be entirely up to you. The court, the other parent, and the child may all have a say on the matter. Here are some things you can do to improve your odds of realizing your wishes:
Adhere To the Terms of Your Child Custody Order
Anything you do should not contravene the terms and conditions of the custody order. This should be the case whether or not you have the blessings of the other parent. For example, if the custody order says you should not move more than 100 miles without seeking a formal/legal modification, then that is what you should do. This means you should scrutinize the custody order to ensure you understand all its points.
Give Notice To or Consult With the Other Parent
This is the first thing you should do if you want to do something that may affect your child custody arrangement. There are many reasons for notifying or consulting with the other parent, for example:
- You are legally obligated to notify the other parent if you want to move with the kid
- It is courteous and will go a long way in helping you maintain cordial relations with the other parent
- You may get a chance to work out an agreement without fighting each other
Prepare a Coping Plan
You stand a good chance of getting your wishes realized if you prepare a coping plan that will help the other parent continue seeing their child. In fact, it may help if you can also bend over backwards (in some ways) to make this happen. For example, if you really need to move, it may be helpful to agree to let the other parent have the child over the holidays, if this is easier, even if you were meant to have the child then.
Present Your Motives Clearly
Despite your best efforts, there is no guarantee that you will see eye to eye with the other parent. In that case, you will have no option but to go to court and fight for what you want. Before doing this, make sure you have clear motives for seeking the move, and they should be legally sound motives. Additional, you will need to prove that the relocation will not harm the child's best interests. For example, you have a good chance of convincing the court to let you move if it is necessary for your job security than if you just want to experience life in a different state.
For more information, contact companies like Kleveland Law.
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