Moving is a natural step in most people’s lives, whether it is for a career, a relationship or a change in scenery. A new place revitalizes your life in ways you don’t even anticipate. However, there are always consequences to moving somewhere, especially as a single parent.
After a divorce, most parents want to move to a place where they feel comfortable or can offer their child a better life. But relocation provides unique challenges for Californian parents – especially when it comes to child custody.
Staying close while moving far away
In California, a parent can’t just decide to move away with their child. There are specific steps or procedures every co-parent must complete before the moving trucks are packed. First, look into your current child custody agreement.
Parents who have sole physical custody are more likely to move away and retain custody of their child unless the other parent proves it would harm the child. If parents hold joint custody, the parent who plans on moving must establish to the court that the move is in the child’s best interest.
The judge analyzes your current parenting schedules and any other relevant information before signing a court order. They may put limitations or restrictions on the order depending on the circumstances. If you do move, you are expected to keep your court order whenever you travel.
If your co-parent moves away with your child, there are new options for parenting over long distances, such as virtual visitation or modified agreements with extended vacations for you and your child. If you are moving away with your child, consider the effect it has on your co-parent and work with them to keep them engaged in your child’s life.
While moving can be a stressful experience, it often open doors for you and your child to meet new people and adjust to a new environment. You may even bond more over time due to experiencing a new city together.