I need some advice on how moving might impact my custody situation. I currently have sole and physical custody of my child. The other parent has recently started stepping up and being consistent with their parenting plan after being absent for most of my child’s life. I’ve been saving for over a year to buy a house and was planning to move, but now the other parent has moved just 30 minutes away. I’d like to live further west, and I’ve been pre-approved for a house for about a month. This gradual change in the parenting plan has been happening since last Fall, and we don’t really get along. How might my potential move affect custody arrangements?
Do not make any moves without consulting your attorney. The court has various options, including making you responsible for visitation costs or saying you can live where you want but the child stays with the other parent. It could look like you’re trying to avoid a 50/50 arrangement.
Do you actually have a custody order in place?
Ashby said:
Do you actually have a custody order in place?
The only order I have is sole physical custody and a court order for parenting time. The other parent’s lawyer will likely push for 50/50 soon.
So the other parent has legal representation. Do you? If so, you really should be discussing this with your lawyer instead of seeking advice here.
Does your current order mention anything about moving? Courts typically don’t like disruptions to the status quo, so moving without consent might be frowned upon. How do you plan to manage parenting time if you’re two hours away? Will you drive your child back weekly or expect the other parent to handle the long trip?
@Ashby
There’s nothing in the order about moving. State law allows me to move within 100 miles. I figured we could meet halfway for parenting time. It’s unfortunate how this looks, but I’ve been saving for a long time and now the other parent is back.