Protecting the Rights of Parents in Move Away and Relocation Cases
Parents can arrive at the need to relocate for a number of different reasons, including a new job, a new marriage, the need to be closer to extended family and other reasons. But when a move will affect the ability of another parent to carry on a relationship with their child, a number of complicated legal issues must be addressed.
At O'Neil & Attorneys in Dallas, we represent mothers and fathers who are seeking to relocate as well as those attempting to block a move. To discuss your situation with a compassionate and relentless lawyer from our firm, please call us at 972-499-4558 or toll free at 866-959-4330.
Domicile Restrictions
As a part of many divorce orders, a judge will restrict the area in which a parent with primary custody can have the children live. The size of the area associated with the domicile restrictions is determined by the judge. It could be as small as a county or as large as the state of Texas. Countless litigation has stemmed from this issue as parents seek the right to move away beyond the boundaries of the domicile restrictions.
Relocating or Moving Away
A parent seeking permission to move with their child must go back to court to seek a modification to existing court orders. This is another area where judges have considerable leeway in their ability to decide the outcome of a case. While one judge may grant permission to move, the same judge could look at the same set of circumstances and deny the move based on the domicile restrictions in the existing order.
In the event of a move, Texas law requires the moving parent to cover the additional travel costs the other parent will incur to continue their relationship with their child.
Contact Us
If you are considering a move or need help preventing a move, contact our firm to learn more about your various legal options.
