A skilled Seattle parent relocation lawyer can help.
Job and life situations change for everyone, including divorced parents. When these events occur it may force one or both parents to move. Relocating would be considered a modification to an existing custody agreement and can be challenged by the other parent. Wanting a “new start” or thinking that the other parent is a “poor influence” are not grounds for relocating. Key to this entire subject is proving that the relocation is in the best interest of the child, not the parent.
At The Seattle Family Law Group, our attorneys have ample experience representing the primary residence parent or the non-primary parent. We have handled many relocation trials and are prepared to aggressively defend and protect the rights of our clients.
Different aspects of parent relocation.
Relocating a child without properly notifying the other parent or the court can result in severe consequences, such as loss of custody. Conversely, parents who do not object within the statutory time frame to the other parent’s request to relocate, can lose the option to challenge. This action can result in the other parent being free to take the child or children with them.
If you are the primary parent, planning to relocate, you must provide a 60-day notice and receive approval from the Washington family court with jurisdiction over the original custody decree. Alternately, if you are the parent objecting to the relocation of the primary parent, you will be required to register your objection with the court within 30 days.
Even if you think the other parent’s petition will be approved, this gives you the opportunity to renegotiate your existing parenting plan to create new visitation agreements. Having an attorney with you to guide you through the process increases your chances of a favorable outcome.
If you have questions or concerns about custody agreement modification, contact a Seattle parent relocation lawyer at our firm for answers.
