Once a divorce is finalized and a parenting plan is in place, relocating a child presents a series of challenges that must be overcome. Washington laws relative to child relocation are sometimes difficult to interpret, because every parenting plan is uniquely crafted for each divorcing couple. This means that every relocation case is unique.
If you would like to prevent your child from relocating to another city with their primary parental custodian, or would like information about how to go about relocating your child, our experienced Pierce County child relocation lawyers can help.
Situations involving child relocation are often simplified by obtaining professional help from a qualified Tacoma child relocation attorney. With more than 50 years of combined experience handling complex parenting plan modifications, our legal team can investigate your situation and offer reliable legal guidance. Washington State law allows parents to relocate their child if they follow statutory notice requirements, and our Tacoma divorce lawyers can help you better understand this process so that you can follow proper legal procedures.
A Tacoma parent may be able to relocate to another state without a judge's consent, but the family court determines whether the child will also be permitted to make the move. Before planning an interstate move, you need to figure out whether the action is permitted by the law. Our Tacoma parenting plan lawyers can offer you valuable legal information that can help you plan your move, and your future.
The law demands that you follow your parenting plan to the letter, so talk to your Pierce County child relocation attorney before doing anything that could compromise your legally-binding agreement.
Moving with Your Child In the State of WashingtonIf you are the custodial parent of your child and want to make an in-state move, you are legally obligated to notify anyone with visitation rights. This may include the non-custodial parent, but also could include other parties mentioned in the parenting plan. Sixty days notice is generally enough, but you must also state why you want to move and where you’re going.
The non-custodial parent has 30 days to respond to your notice. They may either agree to the move or file an objection. If you're moving within your current school district, the non-custodial parent cannot object to the move. If you’re the custodial parent, you won't be able to move the child for 30 days unless the court allows it because of some special reason.
Washington law is lenient when it comes to relocating a child. This puts the burden of preventing the move on the non-custodial parent and any other relative parties. The non-custodial parent must prove to the court that the move would cause harm to the child, or that the negatives outweigh the positives, but this isn’t always easy. A judge will consider the needs of the child first and foremost, but they will also take a look at the child’s relationship with each parent.
These situations can quickly become complicated and contentious, so talk to a Tacoma child relocation lawyer who can help you protect your child's best interests.
Our Child Relocation Attorneys In Tacoma Can Discuss Preventing an Unwanted MoveA judge will ultimately decide whether your child can relocate. However, many factors must be considered before any move is approved. Judges are required to consider the best interests of the child, so they take a hard look at the parenting plan, and each parent’s relationship with the child.
You can prevent your child from relocating with another parent in some situations, but it may be challenging depending on your circumstances. You will undoubtedly benefit from the reliable counsel of our experienced Tacoma divorce attorneys as you navigate these complex legal waters. Your parenting plan was designed to protect the well-being of your child, so it must be treated with the utmost respect.
Our WA State child relocation lawyers understand that the family court takes parenting plans very seriously, which is why we provide every client with counsel based on decades of real-world experience.
Our Tacoma Child Relocation Lawyers Offer A Free Consultation
Our Washington State child relocation lawyers offer a free consultation, no matter which side of this issue you’re on. The thought of your child living further away can be heart wrenching, but our Tacoma divorce attorneys will ensure your legal rights are protected. If a move is in the child’s best interests, we will help you support your claim with the court.
Find out more about child relocation in Washington State by contacting one of our Pierce County parenting plan attorneys today for more information.