Relocating for a job or to be closer to a family member is a big decision in itself. However, when child custody is involved, it can become even more complicated. Understanding the various Texas laws that dictate what can and can’t be done will help you to better determine if relocating is the right choice for you.
It all revolves around your child’s best interest
At the most basic level, child custody is all about deciding the best interests of a child. Relocating a child and disrupting their normal lifestyle can be difficult to prove as being in their best interest. If you’re the parent considering relocating, you’re going to need to prove to the court that relocating your child is better for them compared to keeping them in the same location.
Early notifications are a necessity
The court expects the non-relocating parent to be informed of the relocating parent’s decision to move in a timely fashion. It’s best to notify the other parent as soon as you make the decision to relocate. Courts don’t look highly upon relocating parents who wait to tell their co-parent of their relocation plan until the court hearing.
Common factors the judge considers
If you apply for relocation custody, a judge will take various factors into consideration. The first is the age of the child. Children who are of a mature age will be consulted by the judge to determine their feelings regarding the relocation. The distance between the two parents is also another factor the judge will consider. Smaller distances are more likely to be approved than longer ones.
Relocating after dealing with a divorce or getting a promotion can be stressful enough, and obtaining custody of your child throughout the move can be even more difficult. It’s a good idea to consider consulting an attorney to learn the many factors that judges consider and how you can prove that the relocation is best for your child.