Rockville Parental Relocation Attorneys

Dedicated Parental Relocation Attorneys Representing Clients in Rockville, MD

There are a variety of reasons why child custody agreements may need to be modified, including when a parent plans to move to a new home in a different city or state. Parental relocation cases typically involve situations in which a parent with primary or joint custody decides to move, requiring modifications to existing arrangements. The family law attorneys at Salvado Law Offices provide assistance for parents who are seeking to relocate and those who may be concerned about how child custody modifications will affect their parental rights. We work with our clients to find solutions that will provide for children's best interests while avoiding potential harm to parent/child relationships.

Reasons for Parental Relocation

Parents may choose to relocate for various reasons, including:

• Employment opportunities: A new job or promotion may require a move to a different city or state.
• Educational pursuits: A parent may move to a new city to pursue higher education or specialized training programs.
• Family support: A parent may benefit by moving closer to extended family for additional support and assistance.
• Health reasons: A relocation may be necessary to receive care from specific healthcare facilities or providers or maintain a healthier living environment.
• Financial stability: A parent may be seeking a lower cost of living or improved economic prospects.

When Relocation Requires Modifications to Child Custody

Relocation can significantly affect custody arrangements, particularly when a parent plans to move a substantial distance away from the other parent. Distance between the parents' homes may make it more difficult to transport children for the purposes of visitation, especially during the week when children need to attend school. Modifications to the schedule may be necessary to ensure that children will be able to spend a sufficient amount of time with both parents. Parents will need to make sure that these changes will provide for their children's best interests, and other types of adjustments may need to be made regarding where children will attend school or the types of activities they may participate in.

Requirements for Providing Notice of Relocation

Maryland law requires a parent who plans to relocate must provide notice to the court and the other parent. A written notice should include details about the new location, the reasons for the move, and the proposed changes to child custody. The notice must be given at least 90 days before the intended move. This period allows sufficient time for the other parent to respond and for any necessary legal proceedings to take place. In certain circumstances, such as an emergency move, the court may waive the 90-day notice requirement. However, the relocating parent must still provide notice as soon as possible. The other parent will be given the opportunity to respond to the notice and address concerns about how their parenting time or their relationship with their children may be disrupted.

Addressing Disputes Related to Relocation

If a parent files a petition requesting a modification of child custody, or if the other parent files a petition contesting a planned relocation, a hearing will be held to determine how these issues will be resolved. In these cases, the paramount consideration will be whether the relocation will serve the child's best interests. A family court judge may look at how moving to a new home and making adjustments to a child's schedules will affect their emotional, educational, and physical well-being. The judge may consider the parent's stated reasons for moving, the other parent's reasons for objecting, the opportunities available to the child at both locations, the child's ties to their current community, relationships between different family members, and other factors. Ideally, any modifications that will be put in place will allow forcontinued meaningful contact between the child and the non-relocating parent while ensuring that the parents can work together to raise their child successfully.

Modifying a Parenting Agreement

When a relocation is approved, modifications that may be put in place may include:

• Visitation schedules: A schedule may be implemented that accommodates the distance between the parents. In some cases, extended holiday visits or summer vacations may be appropriate to ensure that a parent and child will have sufficient time together.
• Transportation arrangements: A parenting agreement may determine how transportation for children will be handled and who will bear the associated costs.
• Communication plans: Even if a parent will have less in-person time with their children, the parenting agreement may ensure that they will be able to maintain regular communication through phone calls, video chats, and other means.
• Financial adjustments: Child support obligations may need to be modified to account for changes in children's expenses or other factors.

Contact Our Rockville, MD Parental Relocation Attorneys

Whether you are planning to pursue new opportunities for yourself and your children in a different location or are concerned that a relocation by your ex-partner will limit your contact with your children, Salvado Law Offices can advise you of your legal options and help you resolve these issues successfully. We will advocate on your behalf while also focusing on finding solutions that will protect your children's best interests. Contact us at 301-933-1814 and set up a consultation to learn how we can assist you with your relocation case. Our firm serves clients in Rockville and the surrounding areas, and we also assist with cases in and around Falls Church, Virginia.