Child Relocation After Divorce

"I represent parents on both sides of the relocation analysis: those who need to relocate with their children and those who do not want their children to move away from them." — Columbia, MO Attorney Myia McKenna

Complicated relocation issues arise when one parent seeks to relocate with a child after a divorce or in other shared child custody situations. Missouri law attempts to strike a balance between honoring existing custody judgments, providing a child frequent and meaningful contact with both parents, and the realities of our mobile society when one parent needs to move for one reason or another.

Missouri Law on One Parent Moving with a Child

If there is an order in place concerning custody of your child, there are detailed procedures you are required to follow if you are planning to move with your child. It is vital that you consult with an attorney to make your plan and do each of the things required of you. If your child's other parent seeks to move your child, there are detailed procedures you must follow to be able to object to the relocation of your child. In both instances, you face very serious legal consequences if the request to relocate or the objection to a request to relocate is not handled properly under the law.

Relocation matters often become contested proceedings to modify an existing custody order. Child relocation issues can be quite contentious because of what is at stake and the lack of middle ground between being allowed to relocate with a child and not being allowed to relocate with a child.

I represent parents on both sides of the relocation analysis: those who need to relocate with their children and those who do not want their children to move away from them. If you find yourself in either of these situations, you need an attorney experienced in gathering and properly presenting the most compelling evidence available. Court hearings are required for relocation cases that remain contested, and I will work with you to make sure the court hears the proper evidence and understands your child's best interests in your relocation matter.

Speak with a Missouri Child Custody Attorney

If you are in Columbia or elsewhere in Central Missouri, we encourage you to contact McKenna Family Law to speak with us about how we can help you with a child relocation matter.