The Question:
How can you object to a relocation that has already taken place? My ex has relocated over 200 miles away, and now it’s a 6-7 hour drive every weekend for parenting time.
RJ Says:
While the court can’t dictate where a parent chooses to live, it can modify or restrict parenting time based on the relocation. If your ex recently gained access to your child and the court wasn’t informed of their new location, this change could be grounds to request a modification of the current orders.
If the relocation significantly impacts your child’s well-being or your ability to exercise parenting time, you may have a strong case for modifying the current arrangements. For instance, if the initial recommendation was for visits to occur in the home county due to your ex’s lack of contact over the past seven years, you could request that this recommendation be formally included in the current orders.
Given the long drives and the toll it’s taking on your child, it’s important not to delay taking action. Delaying could be seen as implied consent to the current arrangement, making it harder to argue for changes later.
Consulting with a qualified family law attorney is crucial to understanding your options and taking the right steps to protect your child’s best interests. Our office offers free half-hour consultations, where we can discuss your case in detail and develop a strategy moving forward. Call (602) 256-7575 to schedule your consultation today.