There are so many reasons why a parent would want to move out of state following a divorce. The financial impact of a divorce may lead that parent to pursue business opportunities elsewhere like a new job offer, to live closer to close family, or to even begin a new relationship. But this decision to move can create some complications when it comes to child custody.
Thinking about the impact on your children
A Georgia family law court is going to consider many factors related to your children’s health and welfare. A judge is the final decision maker when it comes to weighing whether a move is in the children’s best interest. A decision to move can drastically affect the relationship of the noncustodial parent to the children and alter much of their post-divorce family dynamic. Here are some of the factors a judge will consider:
- Whether the decision to move is genuine or if it is the result of animosity between the parents
- If there is any mention of the potential to move in the parents’ ‘parenting plan’
- The harm that a move could create for the children’s relationship with their noncustodial parent
- The possible negative influence of a move on the children’s emotional state from severing ties to the community, friendships, and current school.
Making the best decision for your children
Whether you are the custodial parent pursuing a new opportunity or the noncustodial parent wanting to be close to your children, you need to contact a lawyer experienced in family law to pursue the course of action best for your children.
