One crucial aspect of any custody agreement is determining where the child will live after the divorce. If one parent decides to relocate with the child, it is often necessary to modify the court’s original order. State law establishes specific legal benchmarks that must be met to prove a relocation is justified and in the best interests of the child.
If you are planning to move with your child or need assistance responding to a request from your former spouse, a New Haven relocation lawyer can help with your case. A skilled family law attorney from our firm can review the reasoning for the proposed move and determine the most effective steps going forward.
To receive approval for relocation with their child, the requesting parent needs to show that there is a valid reason for the move. There are certain accepted reasons for a parent to relocate with their child. One of the most common reasons someone may request to relocate is for a new job.
If the requesting parent can show that the prospective move is sensible, rational, and in the best interests of the child, the court may allow the move. A lawyer in New Haven can help a parent present a strong justification to the court for their potential relocation.
For a custodial parent to gain approval to relocate with the child, they must show the court that modification of the existing custody order is warranted. A wide range of factors may impact the court’s final decision.
Most importantly, the court must ascertain how the move may positively or negatively affect the child’s day-to-day life. If there is evidence that the move would negatively impact them, the court may deny the parent’s petition to modify the custody order and relocate with the child.
One of the key factors the court considers is the grounds upon which the parent is seeking to relocate with their child. The court may also consider the extent to which the child’s connection with the parent who is not moving will be maintained or changed if the relocation occurs. If the other parent is challenging the request, the court must review the basis of this dispute.
When entering one of these hearings, it is best to have qualified legal representation. A New Haven attorney can help a parent who is proposing or challenging a relocation request build a strong case for the judge’s review.
If you are a custodial parent looking to move or were recently notified that your former spouse is seeking to have your custody agreement modified, you should contact a New Haven relocation lawyer. Without a change to the court order, moving with your shared child may constitute a violation of your custody arrangement and may result in strict legal punishment.
If you need to request or challenge a proposed relocation with your child, contact our office as soon as possible. Our team can guide you through the complexities of your case.