Maintaining custody orders when parents move

Maintaining Custody Orders When Parents Move

When they can’t find a job in Michigan or there are issues with finding safe housing, some parents might think that moving to another state would be the answer. However, when parents share custody of a child, moving to a different state can be tricky if it’s not handled by an attorney or by the court system. If a parent makes the decision to leave the state, there are a few options available so that the other parent can work with an attorney to locate the child.
 

Contacting the other parent should be one of the first things done before moving to another state. This will allow each parent to decide on a schedule that works for everyone involved and ensure that there are no legal issues regarding kidnapping if the parent who moves the child without anyone’s knowledge. In the event that one parent does not give permission for the other to move to another state, then the court system can make a decision based on what is best for the child.

The D’Onofrio test is often used if the parent wants to relocate to an area that likely won’t work with the custody and visitation arrangements that have already been made. When the parent with sole custody wants to relocate, then there is usually no impact on the overall environment for the child or the parents. However, if there is a joint custody agreement, then the court will work to determine who the child should spend more time with before making a decision as to whether to give permission for the move.

Due to going to school or looking for a new job, a parent might decide to move to another state. An attorney may file the proper documents with the court on their behalf so that the parent can properly complete the relocation while still maintaining visitation on the arranged schedule. The attorney may also help present their client’s reasons for moving to another state if the other parent has objections.

Search

Connect with Us!

Recent Posts 

Getting Through Work While Getting Through a Divorce

Michigan employees who are going through a divorce are likely to find it difficult to focus on work. Divorce takes up a fair amount of emotional energy and time, especially for couples who own multiple assets whose marital property value needs to be assessed and divided equitably. It is natural . . .

Read More »

How parental alienation can affect child custody

Parental alienation can be devastating for a divorced parent in Michigan. It can lead to their child deciding to no longer live with or visit them. To understand and combat parental alienation, it can be helpful to understand its roots.
In a case of parental alienation, one parent manipulates the child until the child turns against the other parent. The emotional terrain . . .

Read More »