When you finally land a new job out-of-state, you may be overjoyed at first. But if you have child custody and parenting time arrangements in place with your ex-spouse, that joy may quickly turn to anxiety about the future, and how your divorce decree will be affected. In some cases, your ex-spouse may even contest the relocation, especially if you are the custodial parent.
But whether you’re the custodial parent or not, a relocation can quickly turn into a protracted and ugly legal battle without the right counsel. At Kallen Law Firm, LLC, our St. Louis child relocation lawyers can help make the difference between painful, costly litigation and effective negotiation that results in a better situation for everyone. We are dedicated to helping families find a positive outcome, and will go the extra mile to ensure that you understand how your impending relocation will affect custody.
Preparing for a Relocation After Divorce
Many couples never imagine that they’ll need to leave the state after their divorce, and your current divorce decree will most likely reflect that assumption. Transportation costs, accommodations, and travelling time for the noncustodial parent all factor into child custody orders, so moving to a completely different state can really throw a wrench in your previous plans.
First, you will need to make sure that the other parent is notified at least 60 days prior to leaving the state, particularly if you are the custodial parent. If you haven’t already done this, you will need to work with an attorney to send them a Certified Letter of Relocation, which will provide comprehensive information about your move, the reasons behind it, and the proposed adjustments to parenting time. Then the other parent will have 30 days to submit their formal objection to your move.
Approving Your Relocation
In order to approve the relocation, the court will need to see that your move is in the best interests of the child, and that it doesn’t represent an unfair infringement on the visitation rights of the other parent. If you can’t come to an agreement on your own, the judge will attempt to carefully balance everyone’s needs, which may mean that your move will be blocked.
To prevent this from happening, it’s crucial that you speak with a dedicated child custody lawyer as soon as possible. At Kallen Law Firm, LLC, our team will never apply a “cookie-cutter” legal approach to your case, or assume anything about your circumstances until we’ve reviewed all the details. If you’re worried about losing your child to an ex’s relocation, or if you’re planning a move yourself, we’re here to help you secure a better future for your family.
Are you facing relocation and need assistance from a St. Louis child custody attorney? Contact our team at (314) 441-7793 for a free consultation.
