My ex is apparently moving across the country back to our home state. We have a current custody agreement that he doesn’t follow. He’s supposed to have every other weekend and 50/50 decision-making. It seems he will leave before I can take this back to court. He’s applied for a job transfer, and once that goes through, he’ll likely just pack up and leave, leaving me to chase him to tie up legal loose ends. I’m planning to get in touch with a lawyer tomorrow since I have access to a legal assistance program through my employer. I’m worried about what issues need to be addressed and what my next legal steps should be. If I don’t take action, the custody plan will remain unchanged but ignored. I want the legal paperwork to reflect actual sole custody for school and medical decisions. Looking for guidance on how to move forward.
My ex moved across the country too. I had him file for a change in the parenting plan because what he wanted gave him more time than when he lived here. It took him three years. Honestly, it’s cheaper and less stressful to leave it be. If he wants to sort out custody, it’s on him.
Right now, it’s all about the ‘ifs.’ The main one is if he takes the kids with him. He should request a change in the custody agreement once the job transfer goes through. Definitely talk to an attorney, but I doubt you need to do anything right now.
You need to establish who is responsible for transportation costs when you create a new visitation plan. He’s obligated to inform you and the court of his new address, right?
You can’t force someone to be a good parent, but you can make him pay for expenses due to not following the parenting plan.
That’s right. Chasing him won’t make him do the right thing. Focus on giving your kids the best life possible without him.
If he’s not involved now, why worry? Let him go; he clearly isn’t interested in being a dad.
Make sure to take down his license plate number. You may need to track him down later.
Legal custody will likely stay the same if you file. He can have joint custody from a distance. It’s a hassle, but you can manage.
You might have full custody already. A court-ordered custody change likely won’t affect child support unless he has the kids for a certain amount of time.
Contact your lawyer and the court. If he takes the kids, they can drag him back. If it’s just him, he’ll need to return for custody matters.
Update custody and support orders after his move is established. Work out a long-distance visitation plan that includes your discretion.
Just let him leave. It sounds like a hassle, but it might be for the best.
You don’t really have to chase after him. Most states have wage garnishment for child support. If he wants visitation, he’ll have to talk to you.
This is mostly his problem to solve. Don’t panic. Just wait for him to offer a solution.
A judge will likely change the custody order if he doesn’t show after being served. It could work out in your favor.
Does your custody order mention anything about either parent moving? Usually, there are clauses for that.
It says we can’t take the kids out of state without agreement. If I move out of state, custody defaults to him.