Relocation without Permission Can Lead to Penalties

If you relocate your child without notifying both the other parent and the court, you could be facing severe penalties. However, parents who do not object to parental relocation within a certain time frame will lose their ability to do so.

Depending on the state you live in, different rules may apply to parental relocation. In Washington, for example, the primary parent must submit a parental relocation intent form 60 days from your date of departure. This must be submitted to the Washington Family Court who has ultimate jurisdiction over parental relocation. If the other parent does not object within 30 days, and the court deems that there is no concern with the relocation, then you are free to leave as planned.

This also means that once your relocation order has been approved, you will be expected to create a new parenting plan. A family law attorney can assist both sides in determining what is best for the child, the custodial parent and the non-custodial parent in this situation.