Brockton and Southeastern Massachusetts Visitation Lawyer
At the law firm of Andrew H. P. Norton, we offer child custody services to our Massachusetts clients. From our offices in Brockton and Plymouth, we will guide you through the process of obtaining approval for your move to another state or to someplace within Massachusetts.
If you are planning to relocate to another State with your child or if you are a non custodial parent and seek to prevent the removal of your child to another State, we can assist you in navigating this very complex area of the law. Contact a Massachusetts interstate child custody lawyer for a free initial consultation. We will sit down with you and discuss all of your family law options relating to moving your child.
Moving With Your Child After Divorce
Moving to a new home after a divorce or custody determination may require a modification of your divorce decree. At the Law Office of Andrew H. P. Norton, we have an extensive understanding of how to modify custody, support and visitation orders. This is a very complex area of law and you should involve a Massachusetts interstate child custody lawyer early on in the process to avoid future complications.
If you wish to move within the state of Massachusetts, you may not have to appear in court. If, however, you wish to move to another state, you will need the permission from either the other parent or the court. This process is set up to protect the best interests of your child, as well as the parents. Once a child resides in any state for more than six months then that state becomes the "home" state of the child. Accordingly, the home state holds jurisdiction and any custodial issues will have to be addressed in that particular states Court. Therefore it is imperative that a non custodial take immediate action should the custodial parent remove a child from the Commonwealth with out his or her permission. Failure to act within six months from the date of removal could create a situation whereby the non custodial parent will have to litigate the issue of removal in the state court of where the custodial parent and child moved to.
Planning Ahead for Your Move
There are many factors that play into the court's decision on whether or not they will allow the child to move with you. Planning ahead is the best way to avoid complications and unnecessary costs. The judicial process can take many months to unfold, so looking into the future will prevent you from cancelling your moving plans. Certain things the court will look to when making its determination include:
- The non custodial parents involvement or lack of involvement with the child
- Distinct advantages to parent and child that relocating to another State may provide. This could involve job opportunities, schooling opportunities for both the parent and child, family connections and involvement and improved living conditions
- What State the parent wants to relocate to and the proximity to the non custodial parent
- Ability of the non custodial parent to continue to visit with the child
If you are contemplating a move out of the state and you have custody of your children, contact a Massachusetts interstate child custody lawyer today. A free initial consultation is offered so you can discuss the possibilities for your case with an experienced attorney.
