The breakdown of a marriage brings new changes and life events that are overwhelming and emotional. When the divorce involves decisions about children shared by the couple, this can further compound the difficulty. Without a doubt, the children’s living arrangements will be at the forefront of a range of issues that frequently arise during divorce proceedings.
It is common for one of the parents to move to a different city or state during these proceedings. Still, when children are involved, this can complicate matters considerably as the parents must agree, or the court must provide approval before a parent takes any such steps. When you or your former spouse want to relocate following a divorce, you should retain a seasoned child custody attorney to guide you through seeking a move. A Milford relocation lawyer can assist you with responding to or filing a relocation request or adjusting an existing parenting plan while keeping the best interests of your children front and center.
A number of circumstances can be grounds to pursue a relocation following a divorce. The judge will want to guarantee any relocation is in the children’s best interests while not adversely affecting the other parent’s relationship with them.
For a modification of a parenting plan due to relocation to be successful, the parent requesting the relocation must have a valid reason to move. These can include living closer to family members—to establish a more supportive community—or getting a job that requires moving to a different city or state outside of Connecticut. Sometimes, the reason for relocation is that it benefits the children, such as going to a school that offers a better educational experience. A Milford attorney can ensure a clear and thorough case is made to the court to support the request.
Besides the requirement of having a valid reason to relocate, the court considers whether the proposed move is in the children’s best interests, whether it undermines the other parent’s rights, or whether moving would make it difficult to create a new parenting plan that still supports both parents’ ongoing participation in their children’s lives.
Additionally, the court may also consider the nature of the relationship between the children and both parents. The court may consider factors such as the ability of the parent not moving to maintain an ongoing relationship with their children. The court will contemplate how the move will enrich the children’s lives, such as being closer to family or in a better learning institution. A lawyer in Milford can help a parent build a solid case for or against relocation based on the situation.
A fresh start in a different city or state may be a great opportunity for your children, but the court sets high standards to ensure relocations are not taken lightly and not done at the expense of a child’s relationship with their other parent. When you want to relocate with your children or your former spouse is trying to do so, you should have an attorney on your side.
A Milford relocation lawyer can answer your questions, evaluate your situation, and help you determine the most appropriate course of action. Call now to discuss your legal options with one of our attorneys.
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