As a divorced parent, there may come a time in the future when you want to relocate. Some of it may just depend on the age of your children. If you get divorced when your child is 16, you may simply live in the same home for the next two years, and then you do not have to worry about child custody issues if you move.
However, if you want to move while your children are still minors, then it is important to ask for a custody modification. Do not just take your child and move to another city, another state or another country. If you do, you can face legal repercussions for violating the custody order, at least if you and your ex share physical custody of the children.
How does the modification help?
The court understands that it may be necessary for you to move, so it can try to adjust the child custody order so that it fits. For instance, maybe you and your ex used to exchange the children every two or three days, but that will not be realistic if you live a few hours apart. The court could write another child custody order that has you exchange the children every other week instead.
In some cases, the court may ask you why you want to move. They want to see that you are not just interfering with your ex’s ability to see the children. So they may ask you for good-faith reasons, such as seeking a lower cost of living, living closer to extended family members, returning to college or taking a job offer.
Every case is unique, but it is important to take the proper steps so you do not accidentally violate a court order. Be sure you know exactly what the legal requirements are at this time.