Parental Relocation
One of the most complex and contentious issues in custody cases arises when one of the parents seeks to relocate to another jurisdiction with the children. The attorneys at the Cincinnati, Ohio, family law firm of Phyllis G. Bossin Co., L.P.A. represent parents on both sides of relocation issues.
Relocation cases generally occur when one parent has a new employment opportunity, transfers to a different position or remarries. It also sometimes occurs when a parent wishes to return to the location where his or her family is located to have a network of support. This is often critical for financial or child care reasons.
If the other parent objects to the relocation, which is almost always the case, the matter will be litigated, and the court will be required to determine whether it is in the child’s best interest for that parent to be permitted to relocate with the child.
The court must consider a number of factors in rendering this decision, including:
- The distance of the move
- The age of the child
- The relationship of each parent to the child
- The parenting history
- Which parent has been the primary parent
- The proximity to extended family
- The reason for the move
- The proposed community
- The cost of exercising parenting time
The court must also consider whether a parent’s proposed relocation is in good faith or is intended to interfere with the other parent’s ability to have meaningful time with the child. If the court grants the relocation, it must determine what alterations in the parenting schedule are appropriate and practical. Often this involves granting extended time during the summer, winter break and other school holidays.
Presenting a relocation case requires great skill and preparation. It almost always requires expert testimony, which can take many forms. The lawyers at Phyllis G. Bossin Co., L.P.A. have significant experience in handling relocation cases, including international relocation issues.
To learn more or to set up a consultation, contact our office in Cincinnati, Ohio, at 513-421-4420 or use our online contact form.