Moving Away with the Children
Requesting or Challenging a Relocation
Texas courts take a dim view of relocating children away from a non-custodial parent. A judge's ruling to grant or deny the petition can depend on the existing court decree and the skill of your attorney.
The family law attorneys of Coorpender & Ramirez represent either party in parent relocation proceedings. We serve clients in Denton County, Texas and throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Call Robert Ramirez or Laura Coorpender Ramirez at 940-321-0265 for the strong advocacy you will need.
Geographic Limits on Parent Relocation
Many custody orders contain a geographic restriction. If the divorce decree was granted in the DFW area, parents are commonly prevented from moving beyond the five-county metro area. Such a provision is a high barrier, but it can be overcome. Custodial parents must show material circumstances, such as financial necessity or problems at the child's school, and demonstrate that the child's best interests are preserved.
Parent relocation can be adversarial (a yes-or-no decision by the court) or it can be a collaborative process. If you are on decent terms with the other parent, we can help work out a plan that is least harmful to the relationship between the child and parent who is left behind.
The non-custodial parent typically gets additional visitation time with the child (holidays and summer vacation). The agreement or court order may require the relocating parent to share travel costs. Child support is not necessarily reduced, but we revisit that issue as well.
If you are seeking permission for parent relocation, or opposing such a petition, contact the experienced child custody lawyers of Coorpender & Ramirez. We offer a free in-office consultation to discuss your rights and the possibility of an out-of-court resolution.
