Essex County Relocation Lawyer
Plans to relocate with a child that affect the other parent’s visitation can lead to significant conflict between parents. A long-distance move limits how frequently one parent may spend time with the child, and there is often little room for compromise in these cases.
As with all custody matters, the best interests of the child are the court’s primary concern, but a seasoned child custody attorney could work with you ensure your interests are taken into consideration as much as feasible. If you are facing a relocation case, an Essex County relocation lawyer may be able to help you determine what is in your child’s best interests and fight for your rights.
How Relocation Issues Arise
Relocation cases deal with situations where the new location a custodial parent wants to move to will be out of state or so far away that the parenting time order already in place would be impractical or impossible to follow. For example, a plan where the noncustodial parent has parenting time every other weekend may not be practical if air travel is required to exchange the children.
Parents seek to relocate for many reasons, including employment opportunities, extended family, or to be near a new romantic partner. If the parents are not able to agree on relocation terms, though, the court must make a decision based on the best interest of the children.
If relocation is granted, the court would also order a new parenting schedule based on the children’s best interests and the new locations of each parent’s home. The new parenting schedule would depend on the specifics of each case, but could specifically address options like:
- Orders giving the noncustodial parent visitation during school breaks
- Holiday schedules
- Guidelines for telephone or video chat contact between the children and noncustodial parent.
If the relocation is denied but the custodial parent is going to move regardless, significant changes to the custody orders may be needed. An Essex County relocation attorney could explain the possible outcomes and work to obtain a just outcome on an individual’s behalf.
The Importance of Advance Planning
Parents often have strong feelings regarding relocations and may not be able to agree on what is best for their children. Although the relocating parent may need to move quickly due to rental agreements or job opportunities, it can take time to litigate a relocation issue. Therefore, a parent may benefit from thinking ahead if they believe a relocation is necessary.
A relocation lawyer in Essex County may be able to help a parent plan for a move and make the best decisions for their case. Parents must be aware, however, that leaving the state with the children or denying court-ordered visitations may constitute a crime under certain circumstances.
Seek Guidance from an Essex County Relocation Attorney
Relocations can have a significant effect on a child’s future, but their parents may strongly disagree about the best outcome for them. Likewise, appropriate methods for obtaining the best outcome for you and your children depend on the specifics of your case.
Getting assistance from an Essex County relocation lawyer might help you prepare for your case and more effectively pursue a positive outcome. Stand up for what is best for your family by contacting a lawyer today.
