Relocation can include many hurdles for custodial parent

When the divorce process if finally over, many people are just glad that they can move on with the agreements or judgments reached in the case, particularly those involving child custody. Every issue that comes up in divorce has the potential to get complicated if contested, but perhaps none so much as determining child custody. But, one way or another, a final child custody arrangement will be reached, either through agreement of the parties outside of court or through the decision of a judge.

So, our Maryland readers may think that after that ultimate decision there is nothing more to argue about, right? For some, that may be the case. But, what happens when the parent who was awarded primary physical custody wants to relocate?

Relocation issues were discussed in a recent article, which pointed out that even if the child custody arrangement needs to be readdressed at a later time, the best interests of the child will still be the deciding factor in any changes. Changes to a child custody arrangement are not easily made, especially when the non-custodial parent contests a relocation.

Any parent considering a relocation should consider this: they will have a high standard to meet to show that the move should be allowed. It is important to remember that even if a move may provide a better economic situation for the parent, if the move isn’t viewed as healthy for the child’s relationship with the other parent, chances are a judge will have a hard time allowing it. The relationship between the ex-spouses will be closely examined as well, as the court will want to determine whether or not the custodial spouse is seeking a move just to spite the ex-spouse.

Source: The Huffington Post, “6 Things to Expect and Consider When Relocating with Children After Divorce,” Andrea Moore, Dec. 18, 2013