Connecticut Relocation Lawyer

When two parties have a custody order in place, changes in life circumstances may require a modification to the existing agreement. If one parent wishes to relocate to a new city, state, or country, it can cause significant conflict between both parties. Pursuant to According to Connecticut law, absent an agreement between the parties, any attempt by one parent to relocate that would impact the other parent’s court-ordered parenting time first requires the Court’s permission.

If you or your former partner is attempting to move, you should call a Connecticut relocation lawyer as soon as possible. A skilled family law attorney can help you present an argument for or against a modification to your custody order. Get in touch with our firm today to speak with a qualified legal advocate.

Establishing a Strong Argument for Relocating

When a custodial parent seeks a relocation, they must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the move is for a legitimate purpose, it is reasonable in light of that purpose, and it is in the child’s best interest.

What Are Some Valid Reasons for Relocating?

If one parent decides to move with their child, it must be for a legitimate reason. Some valid reasons include accepting a new job, having access to better schools, or being closer to other family members, such as the children’s grandparents.

However, not all reasons are considered valid. For example, if the custodial parent’s new job is only 30 miles away, the court may not accept a request to move 50 miles away from the non-custodial parent.

How Does the Court Determine Whether to Grant a Parent’s Request to Relocate?

The court will assess a parent’s request to relocate, consider what impact the move may have on the child, and ultimately determine what is in the child’s best interest. Consequently, the child’s relationship with the non-custodial parent will be a significant factor in the court’s ruling. Parents who wish to relocate with their child should speak with an experienced parental relocation lawyer about presenting a valid and compelling argument to the court.

Additional Factors Involved in Granting or Denying Permission to Relocate

A court will approve or deny a request to relocate after considering many factors. The court will assess the following:

The quality of the relationships between each parent and their children
Each parent’s reasons for opposing or seeking a relocation
The effects that relocation will have on the quality and quantity of the children’s future contact with the non-custodial parent
The degree to which the relocation will benefit the parent’s life as well as the lives of their children, both emotionally and educationally
The ability of the non-custodial parent to maintain a relationship with their children through a visitation agreement

If a court approves the relocation, it has the discretion to modify the parenting plan to meet the non-custodial parent’s needs through a different child custody arrangement. Additionally, a modification to the child support order may be warranted to account for the non-custodial parent’s increased transportation costs to exercise their visitation. For more information about how the court grants permission to relocate, it is best to talk to a Connecticut parental relocation lawyer.

Call a Connecticut Relocation Attorney Today