There may be a multitude of scenarios in which you might face a need or desire to relocate to a new area. While sometimes this might involve little more than finding new living arrangements in Minnesota and moving your possessions, things might not prove so simple if you have an existing child custody agreement.
While you might be able to speak with the other parent about your proposed move, what happens if this fails to prove fruitful? The next step could involve petitioning the court for relocation, and there are various types of factors the court may consider before deciding whether to approve your request.
Relocation factors
Knowing what factors the court may seek to address regarding a request to relocate could prove integral to preparing to protect your interests. A few examples of these factors might include:
- Reason for the request: One factor the court may wish to address could involve the reason behind your request. Valid reasons to request relocation could involve changes in employment or a desire to move closer to family.
- Impact on visitation: The distance of your proposed relocation and the impact it might have on your current visitation schedules are factors that could also influence the outcome of your request.
- Interests of your kids: The court may also seek to address how the move might affect your child’s development. Being prepared to answer questions on this topic could prove imperative.
- Age of your kids: The age of your kids could also be a vital factor to consider when requesting a child custody relocation. At a certain age, the court may ask your children about their wishes and preferences.
Even if you feel that relocation is necessary, preparing to file a petition for relocation can still be intimidating in nature, and you may have questions about what to expect from this process.
Preparing for the process
There may be numerous essential factors to consider when preparing to request to relocate with a child custody agreement in place. Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate this process on your own. Seeking advice in addressing your situation could help place you in a better position to make informed choices about your options. This could play a vital role in helping you prepare to protect your future interests by creating a thorough strategy for the subsequent child custody relocation hearing.