Experienced Parental Relocation Lawyer Guiding Parents Through Move-Away Requests

New opportunities, including jobs, relationships and housing, may lead to a parent who shares custody moving with a child. If the move would take the child out of North Carolina or far enough away to complicate regular custody exchanges, the insight of a parental relocation lawyer may be necessary. Parents planning a move need help complying with the law, while those questioning the move must act promptly.

At Tortora Family Law, state board-certified family law attorney Carrie Tortora can assist parents concerned about how a relocation may impact their custody or visitation rights. She is on standby to help parents assert their rights and protect their connection with their children.

Factors North Carolina Courts Consider In Relocation Cases

If parents agree on new custody terms during a relocation, they can cooperate. If not, then a family law judge reviews the case. The factors that govern their ruling on a disputed move include:

• The reason for the move
• The impact on the child
• The preferences of older children
• The feasibility of a new custody/visitation arrangement
• The history of co-parent cooperation
• Any serious safety concerns

Each parent can present evidence to support their position in a relocation dispute.

The Legal Process Of Relocating In North Carolina

The parent hoping to move must first send written notice to their co-parent at least 60 days in advance. The responding parent can petition the courts to modify the custody order and prevent the move. A judge then decides what is in the children’s best interests before modifying the custody order accordingly.

Can One Parent Prevent The Other From Relocating?

No, one parent cannot unilaterally prevent the other from moving, but they can ask the courts to prevent the relocating parent from taking the children with them if the move is not in the children’s best interests. Parents can seek modifications that allow them to assume the majority of parenting time after the other parent leaves the area.

Get Help Navigating A Parental Relocation Issue

Those hoping to move with their children or prevent a relocation that could interrupt their parenting time need the support of a Raleigh, North Carolina, parental relocation lawyer. They must act quickly and follow the right legal procedures to assert their legal parental rights.

Board-certified attorney Tortora is ready to support those who work with Tortora Family Law during parental relocation cases. Concerned parents can schedule an initial consultation by calling us at Call or clicking here.