Relocation Cases

After a custody order is in place one parent may decide to relocate. If this move creates a significant distance between the parents’ homes, the non-custodial parent’s access to the child will be affected and the visitation schedule will become difficult or impossible to maintain.

When denying or granting a relocation order, the court usually looks into factors such as:

• Whether the move will improve the quality of life for the child involved
• Whether the parent who is requesting the relocation has good intentions
• If the parent is willing and able to comply with visitation orders
• The preference of the child (if age appropriate)

In mediation, the parents are able to discuss and come to an agreement modifying the terms of custody and visitation.  This may mean that the non-custodial parent has larger blocks of time with the child during school breaks or that the parents share the transportation of the child for visitations.

A parent’s relocation may result in significantly more visitation costs for the non-custodial parent.  In such instance, it may be necessary to negotiate a modification of the financial terms of the parties’ court order as well.

The parents work together during the mediation process to come up with a resolution that will work for both of them, keeping the best interests of their children in the forefront.