If you’re a divorced parent who is considering a move to a new town,
state, or country, you must take into account your child’s best
interests, as well as the other parent’s custodial rights.
New York courts often award divorcing parents joint managing conservatorship
over their child – unless there is a history of parental misconduct
(e.g. domestic abuse or violence). Joint managing conservatorship means
parents share the right to make important decisions about their child’s
life, including the primary residence of the child.
Both parties have the option of declaring that neither parent is the “primary”
parent, meaning that they determine that the child’s residence will
remain within a specific geographic area and both parents must create
a “shared possession schedule.” However, if both parents can
reach an agreement, then a judge will make a decision for them and designate
one parent as the “primary parent.” The court also needs to
establish a geographic area which the primary parent can maintain the
child’s primary residence.
Relocation with a Child
If you are the primary parent and wish to move your child, it is mandatory
to obtain court approval before relocation. If you relocate you child
without the consent of the court, you risk being held in contempt of court,
resulting in potential jail time, fines, or both. If the other party wants
to attempt to stop you from moving, he or she may file an application
for a temporary restraining order, preventing you from moving until a
relocation hearing in court is scheduled.
At the hearing, you must demonstrate compelling reasons for the proposed
move. Some of the most common reasons include job relocation – if
you cannot find comparable work locally – or a relocation to be
closer to family members willing to help support and care for the child.
If the court suspects that your move is meant to interfere with the other
parent’s relationship with the child, your move will be prohibited.
In the end, the court will take into account all relevant facts and circumstances
to decide what outcome will most likely serve the best interests of the child.
If you are interested in filing for
divorce or
modification on a current order, request a
consultation with our Bronx divorce lawyer at
The Law Firm of Wayne F. Crowe, Jr., P.C. today.