Can a divorced parent with custody of children just pick up and move to another city or state? What if the custodial parent has to move across the country for work? How would the non-custodial parent be able to continue with visitation if it becomes very costly and inconvenient because of the distance? What is important to remember if you are the custodial parent is that notice and cooperation are essential. If you are the non-custodial parent, Towson child custody lawyers remind you that you still have legal rights.
In some instances, a custodial parent’s moving may be the best thing for everyone involved. It may provide better financial opportunities, or put the child closer to extended family who can provide a beneficial influence. Such a move creates significant complications with respect to the previous custody arrangement and the visitation schedule.
The Process for Moving
The relocation of the custodial parent to another state may be a material change in circumstances that may lead to a change in the custody arrangement in the child’s best interests. The court is very concerned with stability in the child’s life and with maintaining regular contact with both parents. If the custodial parent decides to relocate to another state, the other parent may seek to modify the custody arrangements to obtain primary custody. It is typical in marital settlement agreements to contain some requirement of notifying the other party of the relocation. In addition, a Maryland statute provides that the court may require the custodial parent to provide advance written notice of at least 90 days so that the other party will have an opportunity to contest the relocation and seek a change in custody. It is often said that the relocation for a legitimate purpose of the custodial parent is one of the most difficult issues to resolve in a custody matter.
Towson Child Custody Lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC Assist Clients With Relocation Issues
There are many factors that need to be taken into consideration when a divorced parent is thinking about relocating with a child. If you are a non-custodial parent facing the loss of visitation due to impracticality, the experienced Towson child custody lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC are prepared to fight for your rights to visit your children. To learn more about how we can help, call us at 443-589-0150 or contact us online today. With offices located in Hunt Valley, Towson, and Pikesville, we assist clients in Baltimore County, Carroll County, Howard County, and Harford County, including the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Bel Air, and Columbia.
