Moving can be stressful, but even more so if you are a divorced/separated parent. Relocating can alter the terms of your Child Custody document, and any change will need to be approved by the court. Whether you are contemplating a move, or you are the non-custodial parent and are vehemently opposed to your child moving, you need to contact a Suffolk County Relocation Lawyer right away. They can walk you through the process, and also caution you that the court will be focused on the welfare of the child over and above your own needs. These issues can cause tremendous frustration for all involved. When you contact a Suffolk County Relocation Lawyer, you will be taking an important step towards arriving at a positive solution that will make sense for everyone. Our offices are ready to offer you a free consultation whether you are in Suffolk County, Brooklyn or Staten Island.
A Suffolk County Family Lawyer will be able to sit down with you and go over the key concepts in you case. Some initial questions you should ask yourself include:
Is the Child Happy? Is the child thriving in their present environment, and how will this be impacted if they move?
Does the Child have a Loving Parent-Child Relationship? Is the child appropriately bonded and have a loving relationship with both parents?
Is there a Custody Agreement in Place? Is there a current agreement filed with the court and has it been working well? Will this move substantially impact the existing agreement?
What is the Primary Motivation of the Parents? Are the parents mainly concerned with their child, and are they committed to doing what is best for them?
Are there Currently any Problems? Are there problems with the child or custody arrangement that will only be made worse by relocating?
The Child’s Social Needs/Family Ties: Does the child have plenty of friends and family members nearby? Will this improve or be worse if the child moves?
Concerns about Money: Is this move being motivated by money problems?
Brighter Economic Opportunities: Will relocating improve the economic situation for the custodial parent?
Health Implications: Does the child have any health concerns that could be affected by relocating?
Is a Parent Remarrying? Is the relocation due to a parent relocating and how will this impact the child?
Unfortunately, the court has not provided a clear set of rules regarding relocations of divorced parents. However, it is undeniable that they will always focus on the impact the relocation could have on the child. The courts have been known in the most extreme cases even step in and change a custody order or even commence a Guardianship proceeding if they are uncomfortable with the current arrangement for the child. They can order specific steps be taken on the child’s behalf regarding education, and protecting their physical and emotional wellbeing. A Suffolk County Relocation Lawyer will expertly guide you through this process, and will give you peace of mind that you are doing everything you can to ensure a positive outcome for you and your child.
By contacting a Suffolk County Relocation Lawyer from Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC you will be able to learn about how to best present you case to the court. We have a wide range of Family Law experience including Child Support, Orders of Protection, Visitation, Divorce, Spousal Support, and can address any Custody difficulty you may be currently dealing with. Whether you live in Suffolk County, Manhattan, Brooklyn or Nassau County, we have an office waiting for your call. We will provide you with a free initial consultation and guidance when you call us at 800.696.9529.