Child Custody and Relocation

Can You Relocate to Another State if You Have Sole Custody of the Children?

• Sole custody does not give one parent license to relocate outside the current geographical area, and the court considers any move that affects the time children spend with the other parent as a relocation which requires a court order.
• If you apply for such an order, the court will consider your reasons for wanting to move and how the children’s ability to see the other parent will be affected.
• Obviously, the farther the contemplated move, the more difficult it will be to demonstrate that you can maintain the same level of access between the children and the other parent.
• Alternatively, if the other parent has sought only very little contact with the children, that will probably work in your favor.