When going through the divorce process, it is impossible to predict how your life will change in the future. You do your best to come up a child custody agreement you believe will work long-term, but in the end you may find that it is necessary to change it. Staying in one place for one’s whole life seems almost impossible anymore. The need to relocate — either within the state of Georgia or outside its borders — occurs more often than not and when it does it will affect you, your children and your ex.
Relocation can be difficult when divorce and a child custody plan is involved. If you have a shared custody arrangement or if your ex has scheduled visitation time, you cannot up and leave without court approval and an official change to your custody plan. Getting this approval can be a challenge.
Georgia courts do understand that sometimes relocation is necessary such as for work, family support or new relationships — among other things. However, the court also has to decide what will serve the best interests of the affected children. When requesting a custody modification for the purpose of relocation, to help your case you will want to file a suggested parenting plan that gives detailed information about how you think custody can work following your move, along with documentation showing the court that the relocation will serve your children’s best interests.
Seeking a child custody modification for relocation can be somewhat intimidating, particularly if your ex is going to fight you every step of the way. Thankfully, this is not something you have to do alone. An experienced family law attorney can help you every step of the way. To learn more about how legal counsel can be of assistance, please visit our firm’s website.