Seeking What’s Best For Your Children During Relocation
Child custody relocation is a legal issue that can be incredibly challenging for all parties involved. For families that have already been through a divorce, one parent relocating can create further tension.
At Rombro & Manley LLP, we understand that change happens, and that you may need to move after your divorce or separation is final. If relocation is part of your future plans, we make sure the best interests of your children are taken into account. Or, if your ex-partner is proposing a relocation that would make visitation difficult such as moving out of Manhattan Beach or California, we can find solutions that help you maintain a nurturing relationship with your child.
Sometimes, a move becomes necessary, making child visitation difficult. Our attorneys are here to help find a solution that benefits your child.
Why Relocate?
For some, a move is necessary or desirable for a number of reasons:
- Employment: Career advancement sometimes requires relocating. If you have been promoted or are thinking about taking a new job, you may have to move. When you are divorced with children, moving can take your kids too far away from their other parent. Whether you need to move for work, or your ex wants to move, doing what is best for your children is the legal standard. Depending on the terms of your divorce, court approval may be required.
- Family: Aging parents often require care by adult children. If your extended family lives out of town and needs assistance, or you need to move to be closer to your family, the impact the move could have on your children will be carefully considered.
Another factor the court examines is whether the visitation schedule can be maintained. If so, it is likely the move will be approved. We will gather the facts and present them to the court in support of your position, always advocating for what will meet your needs while still providing the best benefits for your children.
Factors To Consider
Whether you are proposing a move or seeking an order denying your ex-spouse’s request to relocate, the court will consider these factors:
- The distance of the proposed move
- The existing relationship between parent and child
- Your children’s need for stability
- The reason for the move
- The relationship your child has with family members in both locations
- Whether the move will require a change of custody and how your child would be impacted by that change
- Factors unique to your children such as extracurricular activities and educational opportunities in each location
If relocating will cause harm to your children, the court can deny the request. Our job is to look at your circumstances and needs, and then present proposals to the court that meet those needs. We will work with you to develop a strategy that makes sense, and that your family can live with after the fact.
How An Attorney Can Help
You know your children best, and we know how family law legal standards will affect your family. Your children’s maturity and ability to handle a move or their struggle from the divorce are facts that play into a relocation request. And because each case is different, your situation will have other circumstances unique only to you.
We understand how the court views relocation requests and how complicated these laws are to put into practice. We have helped many families achieve results that work best for the children.
Contact Us
If you have questions about child custody relocation, let us help you today. We can be reached online, or by calling 310-545-1900.
Mr. Rombro has been practicing for over 40 years and has been a certified specialist in family law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization for over 20 years.