Parental Move-Aways

Family Law Attorneys Handling Parental Relocation Cases

California family law evolves over time, and parental relocation is one specific issue that has been subject to changing criteria in recent years. What has remained constant is that, as long as you have custody and visitation, support or other relevant orders in Ventura or Los Angeles County — or any other California county — those orders are subject to enforcement.

Consequently, either parent's desire to move — any distance, for any reason — can raise serious legal issues. If you need to know and understand your legal rights regarding a move-away/parental relocation, please contact us today at Van Sickle & Rowley, LLP.

We Know Parental Rights and Obligations in California

Any parental relocation that can disrupt the pattern established in court orders requires written consent of the other parent or a new court order. Our lawyers' deep, current familiarity with California law and our area courts equip us well to advise you in any of these common situations:

• You are a custodial parent considering a move that may impact the children's time with the noncustodial parent.
• You are a noncustodial parent who has valid reasons for not wanting your children to move further away from you.
• You have moved away from Ventura or Los Angeles County, but need help with family law issues in these jurisdictions

The burden of proof for any post-judgment modification is squarely on the person seeking the change. In a relocation/move-away situation, the court's considerations may go well beyond the distance and primary reason for the move, to include:

• How much will a move disrupt the children?
• How will the children's quality of life, opportunities or other aspects of their welfare change?
• What accommodations must be made to allow continued involvement of the noncustodial parent in the children's lives?

Sound Counsel on the Critical Question: Should You Take It to Court?

Parental move-away situations can frequently lead to litigation. When they do, psychological evaluations and other procedures may be required to evaluate the impact of a move on the children and family relationships. The stakes for both parents and children can be very high, and either parent may seek modified child custody and visitation.

Our experience in all aspects of family law can be a critical asset in cases that go this far. For honest counsel and determined representation, we encourage you to contact us if you are confronting a possible parental move-away.