Relocating with Children After Divorce
Posted on December 15th, 2017 by Oddo & Babat, P.C.
Once you finish getting through a divorce process, there are many tasks you may still need to accomplish. After dealing with paperwork, hours of deliberation, child custody matters and more, you will then have to consider how and where you plan to move with your children. These tips below go over how you can make life a little easier for you and your children when it comes to relocating.
#1 Check the Details in your Custody Agreement
Make sure that your decree of child custody permits you to move anywhere with your children. There may be restrictions on being able to move beyond a certain geographic location or mileage. The topic of traveling restrictions can be common during divorce resolution meetings, and can be worked out between both you and your spouse.
#2 Check the Laws in your State
Some states may actually establish a geographical limit on each divorced spouse and his or her ability to relocate with their kids. It can vary by state, but typically the parent of custodial custody has to give the other parent a written notice of their intention to relocate. The noncustodial parent then has the option to file an official objection, where a trial regarding the move will be scheduled with a judge. In some states, the custodial parent has to submit a written request for a court’s permission to move. Then the court will probably schedule a hearing to decide whether this relocation is in the children’s best interest.
#3 Consider Hiring a Moving Company
In the midst of moving plans, you will likely have a large to-do list of things to accomplish. The most obvious and major task is moving all of your belongings into another home. This can be the hardest and longest part of the moving process. When you have children to consider and still take care of during the move, it may help you save a large amount of time and energy to hire movers Fort Washington, MD recommends. Many believe believe moving everything yourself will save money, but will be worth it when you can focus on other details of your move. Some moving companies also offering packaging and cleaning services, which will prove useful when your previous landlord comes by to inspect the place for cleanliness once all of your belongings are out.
#4 Maintain a Healthy Negotiation
If it all possible, it is in every family member’s best interest that you and your spouse maintain somewhat of a healthy communication dynamic. Perhaps you can attend mediation and find a resolution you are both happy with regarding the move, without having to attend a court hearing. It may help to offer longer periods of visitation to the noncustodial parent, in exchange to not fight the relocation request.
There are ways you can make moving with your children easier. The above tips can alleviate stress, minimize time and help prevent any roadblocks in your moving plans. Your children will thank you for it when you can spend more time focusing on moving together, versus the tedious and heavy lifting tasks at hand.
Thanks to our friends and contributors from Suburban Solutions for their insight into moving services.