Relocation & Custody Disputes
Divorce is stressful enough without the additional issues that can occur such as when a parent wants to relocate. The vast majority of cases are mothers requesting to move so they can be closer to support systems, a new job or new relationship. The research indicates that when the children have a relationship with the non-custodial parent that these children often suffer psychologically if relocated.
Bonding and the Impact of travel on preschool children needs to be considered. School aged children and teens often experience difficulty with regular contact with a non-custodial parent due to school/extracurricular activities and their social relationships.
A custody evaluation that involves relocation needs to take into account numerous issues which include but are not limited to:
- Age of the Child.
- How actively involved the non-custodial parent has been prior to the evaluation.
- Whether there are factors such as learning disabilities or handicaps present.
- The mental health of both parents.
- The distance involved and ability to provide travel arrangements appropriate for the child.
- The amount of parental conflict and communication skills between the parents.
- How long the parents have been separated.
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