After divorce, many parents want to move with their children. This brings certain complications into your parenting plan, but it is not impossible. However, you must consider several factors and submit a notice to the court before moving.
If you believe moving is best for you and your child, continue reading this article to learn more about the process. A court is more likely to allow you to move if you have a solid case for why you should.
Filing a notice
First, you need to submit a notice of relocation. Divorced parents do not have the option to move whenever they want. You negotiated parenting time, education and extracurricular activities during the divorce. Moving means, you must reconsider all of this. According to Indiana law, the parent must submit a notice 30 days in advance. This notice must include the new address, new numbers, the reason for moving and the date of the move. You also need to submit a new proposed parenting schedule. If you are a noncustodial parent, you must submit a notice of relocation.
Dealing with objections
After the relocating parent submits a notice, the other parent can object within 20 days. The parent who wants to relocate must demonstrate to the court that their move will benefit the child somehow. Such reasons might include improved standard of living, better education or career advancement.
Moving after a divorce is difficult for parents. The court considers the child’s well-being before any personal desire you or your spouse may have. For this reason, most people only move if they demonstrate it improves the child’s life.