Geographic Changes That Require Skilled Legal Counsel
In difficult economic times, employment opportunities can become scarce for some parents, and they are compelled to move to another city or another state to take advantage of a work opportunity or the help of other family members. In other cases, a relationship or a family need prompts a parent to move away from their children. These difficult situations, which develop with custodial and noncustodial parents, require mature legal counsel to work out solutions.
Our lawyers are experienced in handling the legal aspects of move-away situations, including child custody modifications. Contact our attorneys for assistance with your case.
Help With Matters That Impact Children
California laws are designed to support the best interests of children, which include the maintenance of close, supportive relationships with both parents. A geographic move by a custodial parent affects the rights of a noncustodial parent and the rights of the children involved, while a move by a noncustodial parent also impacts an important parent-child relationship. When a move significantly changes the amount of time spent between a child and a parent, there is usually a need for new legal arrangements.
Under California law, a parent must have had a "change of circumstance" in order to modify a family court order such as a custody or visitation order. Changes to these court orders involve a hearing and often an assessment, evaluation or investigation to determine the facts of the case. A parent who wishes to move with a child generally has to have permission from the other parent or the court to do so, and the court will evaluate the detriment that would be caused to the child if the parent were allowed to move with the child.
Monterey and Salinas Move-Away Attorneys, Facilitating Solutions
We can help you prepare and file a motion for modification of a child custody, child visitation or child support order when a move away is involved; we can also help if the other parent wants to move with your child.
Contact Monterey relocation attorneys Barbara May and Amy Spiering for assistance with your case.
