Relocations & Move Away

Philadelphia Child Custody Lawyer

Relocating with your child to another state after divorce or separation can be a difficult decision. It is critical that the decision is made with the child's best interests in mind, and that it does not undermine the custody or visitation rights of the other parent. Parents seeking to relocate after divorce should consult an experienced family law and child custody attorney to ensure that legal requirements are met before the move out of state.

If approval is not obtained prior to moving with the child, and the other parent objects, you may be required to bring your child back into the state until an agreement is achieved or the court renders a decision. However, the court may find you in violation of an existing child custody order or use this against you in their decision.

Contact our family law attorneys at Berman & Asbel, LLP to discuss your situation in a complimentary consultation. Our attorneys have over 40 years of experience handling complex and emotionally-charged family law issues.

Move Away or Relocate After Divorce

Our Media-based law firm assists Pennsylvania parents with primary physical custody in negotiating agreements or seeking court approval for relocation with their child out of state. In some cases, it may be possible to negotiate an agreement with the other parent by addressing modifications to the visitation schedule. However, if an agreement is not possible, we promptly file a petition to relocate with the family court. To obtain approval for the move, the court must find that relocating is in the child's best interests:

• Will the move substantially improve the quality of life of the custodial parent and child? Relocation must serve the best interests of the child. For example, relocating for a new job or a job with better pay may provide the child with additional opportunities, better schooling or other benefits that would improve quality of life.
• What are the motivations for the move out of state? A parent may have many different reasons for moving — an employment opportunity, to be closer to other family or other motivations. It is critical that the move not be initiated simply to spite the other parent and the other parent's rights to visitation.
• How will the relationship between the child and non-custodial parent be impacted? It is usually in the child's best interests to have an on-going, civil working relationship with the noncustodial parent, especially when parents are living in different states. While the traditional or existing parenting schedule may not be feasible after the move, the court may look at alternative schedules, such as extended time during holidays, vacations or summer break.

Contact Us

In today's society, parents are choosing to relocate after divorce in order to get off unemployment, to obtain better health care benefits in a new job and to get closer to a family support system. Our attorneys are available to listen and guide you through the legal processes as efficiently as possible. Contact us in Media, for skilled representation in Pennsylvania.