I can't single parent alone anymore and am going to move home... what are the possible consequences?

Seeking Advice
1

I’m a single mother living in complete isolation from family and loved ones. I love my child, but I can’t do it anymore. Everything is my responsibility, and I’m totally spent. I already have a therapist and am on antidepressants. My ex has EOW visitation and won’t take our child for more time. We live 3 hours apart, and I’ve explained I need more help, but he just wants things to stay the same. I told him I’d accept any arrangement, but he won’t budge.

We’re planning to move back to our hometown later in the year, but I told my ex I’m moving back 6 hours away now. I assured him I’d continue to bring our child back EOW or whatever schedule he wants. He’s expressed he doesn’t want me to move. I doubt he’ll take me back to court, but if he does, what are the likely consequences? I’m exhausted and ready to accept whatever happens.

2

You should file a Motion to Modify Child Custody to relocate. Based on what you’ve shared, a judge might agree the move is in your child’s best interest.

3

There could be a few consequences. You might be forced to move back, or you could lose custody and have to pay child support. It’s a risk you take with your plan. It might be better to consult a lawyer and request to move officially.

4

What ‘punishment’ could there be? He’s made it clear he doesn’t want more time with the child, so it’s not like he’s looking for that.

5

I’d still file with the court regardless of what he agrees to. It’s better to have everything documented.

6

Don’t feel bad for being spent. Single parenting is tough. If you don’t have a lawyer, look into legal services for help. Once your ex sees things on legal letterhead, he might change his tune.

7

The punishment for moving without permission could be giving more custody to your ex. But since he doesn’t want it, I’d say don’t worry too much about that.

8

If you don’t follow the rules regarding relocation, the court may take your child. But if he doesn’t want more time, it’s unlikely they’d take the child away from you.

9

If he’s not going to file anything, feel free to move and deal with any repercussions later. When you go to court, explain your need for more support.

10

In North Carolina, if your order is silent on moving and you can still facilitate visits, you haven’t violated anything. He can’t really do anything about it.

11

I intend to absorb the full travel responsibility to maintain his EOW visits. He might take me to court to allege a change in circumstances if I move, but I doubt he’d actually want more time.