FAMILY RELOCATION LAWYER IN TACOMA, WASHINGTON

How do you know if you need a relocation lawyer?

Family law says that you must give notice to the other parent when you intend to move if you are a parent with primary legal child custody. The other parent has the right to object and must be given an opportunity to do so. A relocation laywer can help with this process.

The parties can sign a relocation agreement if there are no issues with the move. If the other parent objects, the matter may need to be heard in court. There are several factors the court will consider when deciding if the relocation should be granted.

A family law attorney can help walk you through the following factors:

  • The relationship between the child and each parent, sibling and other significant people in their life
  • Prior agreements between the parties
  • If disrupting contact between the child and the relocating parent would be more damaging to the child than disrupting visitation between the child and the objecting parent
  • If there are special limitations applied to visitation for the objecting parent
  • The reasons the person seeking relocation has for the move
  • The development and potential impact of the move on the child
  • The quality of life, resources and opportunities available to the child in their current location versus the proposed relocation
  • The availability of alternatives for the non-custodial parent to continue visitation
  • The alternatives to relocation available to the requesting parent
  • The financial impact of relocation on each party

Relocations can be very simple or extremely drawn out and difficult. The amount of time and effort needed to resolve the matter really depends. The relationship between the parents, the distance of the relocation, the age of the child, and the ability of the parents to agree on a new, mutually satisfactory visitation schedule are all factors. A relocation lawyer can assist through the process.

I HAVE TO MOVE FAR AWAY FOR MY JOB, DOES THAT MEAN I HAVE TO GIVE UP CUSTODY?

It is a good idea to consult a relocation lawyer early in the process if you anticipate a big move. Specific documents must be filed in your case and certain deadlines must be met to complete your relocation appropriately. If you fail to follow the process and move anyway, it may be very expensive and difficult for you later to maintain child custody if the other parent files an action against you because of it.

I RECEIVED A NOTICE OF INTENT TO RELOCATE AND IT IS NOT OK WITH ME!

If you are the non-custodial parent and you have received a notice of intent to relocate it is even more important that you consult a relocation lawyer. You should be aware of your rights and options before deadlines to object close and you are stuck with the consequences.

DEALING WITH FAMILY LAW PARENT RELOCATION ISSUES?

Relocations and relocating parents are usually unexpected, but unfortunately necessary events. A good family law attorney, and attorney-client relationship, will help you assess the situation. Call us at our family law office today about how our family law attorneys can help you address a pending relocation.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided above is intended to be a general discussion of common relocation issues, and is not intended to be taken as specific legal advice that applies to your individual fact situation. Always seek legal counsel for advice on your unique case needs.