Single Parenting Child Custody Can Custodial Parents Move out of State? By Jennifer Wolf twitter linkedin Jennifer Wolf is a PCI Certified Parent Coach and a strong advocate for single moms and dads. Learn about our editorial process Jennifer Wolf Fact checked by Fact checked by Shereen Lehman, MS on June 14, 2020 Shereen Lehman, MS, is a healthcare journalist and fact checker. She has co-authored two books for the popular Dummies Series (as Shereen Jegtvig). Learn about our editorial process Shereen Lehman, MS Updated on June 14, 2020 Print Westend61 / Getty Images Relocation rules can be tricky for co-parents. Even for a custodial parent, moves out of state can be frowned upon if the change will limit the children's time with the other parent. Custodial Parents Moving out of State When it comes to child custody, relocation is a hot-button issue. These types of questions are asked frequently by custodial parents who want to relocate with their children in order to pursue a job change, be closer to family members, or even just get a fresh start. However, the decision to move out of state should not be taken lightly. First, take the time to carefully reread your divorce decree, child custody ruling, and/or parenting plan to see if the issue of relocation is specifically addressed. If, for example, your documentation states that if either parent wishes to relocate, he or she must give 60 days notice, make sure that you comply. Failure to abide by existing court rulings is likely to have a negative impact on your current request. Second, you must consider the child custody laws in your state. Each state has slightly different relocation laws, and some states do require written consent from the non-custodial parent. You will want to know of any particular statutes in your state that could affect your decision. Seeking the counsel of a qualified family law attorney will also help you understand the implications of a custodial parent's decision to move out of state. Third, if your ex does contest your request for custody relocation, you should also be prepared to face a full custody evaluation. In particular, be prepared to show: Whether the move would result in a better quality of life for your children The extent to which your ex currently exercises his right to spend time with the children You are willing to allow for longer, less frequent visits if your request to move out of state is approved You will actively support such changes in the visitation schedule You are prepared to absorb the increased cost of transportation Your move is not an attempt to restrict your ex's access to your children Consider the Impact on the Children Consider carefully the impact that this move out of state will have on your children. It is entirely possible that the benefits of increased pay, or closer proximity to extended family members, do not outweigh the benefits your children enjoy right now as a result of a consistent, ongoing, in-person relationship with their father. It is impossible to reduce that relationship to increased phone calls and longer summertime visits without consequences, which are sure to appear in your children's behavior and attitudes over time. Therefore, it is important to talk openly with your children, and with your ex, about any decision to move out of state, to make sure that no part of the move is executed in haste. Responsibilities of Custodial Parents Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get expert tips to help your kids stay healthy and happy. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. American Bar Association. What Happens If the Parent Who Has Custody Wants to Move to Another State? 2008. Stahl PM. Complex Issues in Child Custody Evaluations. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 1999.