Relocating with a minor child

Planning a move with a minor child?

New job, new home, new life? If you are thinking about moving out of your home, and you have a minor child, you may need to think about getting the court’s permission to move. For over 10 years, Washington has required that almost any move of a child, when the parents are not together, may require compliance with a modestly complex new law.

If you are looking to move outside of your child’s current school district, in most cases, you will need to give at least 60 days notice to any person who is legally entitled to visitation with the child. Even if you plan to move within the same school district, the relocating person must provide actual notice to any person who has court ordered visitation with the child. There are exceptions, but it is important to note that if you do not comply with this law, the court can require the child be returned – which could result in a change in custody. (You can take a look at this law in RCW 26.09.430-.480).

If the other parent does not agree to the relocation, the process can take a long time to resolve. The law does provide for a temporary approval for a relocation, but this approval is not always granted. It would make sense to speak with an attorney who regularly does this kind of work as far in advance as possible. This way you can plan your steps, and not be forced to loose important opportunities the relocation might bring!