Child Custody Relocation Lawyers in South Jersey

New Jersey Family Lawyers Concentrating in Child Custody Cases Involving Parental Relocation Throughout NJ including Medford, Moorestown, Haddonfield and Cherry Hill

Life continues to change even after a child custody arrangement is marked as final by the courts, and one of the more contentious issues that can arise after that finalization is the decision by the custodial parent to relocate with the child. New career opportunities, relationships, and familial ties can all provide valid reasons for one parent to relocate, but that does not mean the other parent has to agree with the decision. Despite the fact that society is more interconnected than ever today, and new technology can allow for robust contact between a child and a parent who lives far away, no parent is likely to agree to lose regular physical contact with their child without a fight.

Child custody relocation cases require trustworthy legal representation regardless of how amicable you believe your relationship with your former spouse to be. The Medford, New Jersey custody relocation lawyers at Cordry Hartman, LLC are both forceful and resourceful in our determination to protect our clients’ parental rights, while at the same time remembering that every custody relocation case has a substantial impact on the life and routine of the child. Contact our offices today to set up a free consultation for your child custody relocation request claim. We routinely represent clients in child custody relocation cases throughout New Jersey, including in Burlington County, Camden County, Gloucester County, Cumberland County, Cape May County, Salem County and Atlantic County.

What Will the Court Consider in Evaluating a Relocation Request in New Jersey?

In order to relocate out of state, the relocating parent must either obtain the written consent of the other parent or a court order that grants permission to move. As in all child custody determinations, the best interests of the child is the paramount concern in determining whether a court will grant a motion for custody relocation if one parent opposes the relocation request. The parent must demonstrate to the court that he or she has a good faith reason to relocate, which may include:

• A job promotion,
• Relocating to live closer to the child’s extended family, or
• An opportunity for the relocating parent to obtain higher education.

The parent requesting relocation must also remember that he or she will be responsible for presenting a plan that will allow the other parent substantial physical time with the child, including during summers, holidays and school vacations. This plan must account for both the mode of transportation the child will use, and which parent will pay for the transportation.

New Jersey courts place significant importance on the right of both parents to maintain their relationships with the child, so the parent requesting relocation must also specify how the non-custodial parent will be able to maintain regular contact with the child. Technology makes regular communication easier than ever, but the plan should be as specific as possible in detailing how and when the child will communicate with the non-custodial parent. In making a final determination to grant or deny the custody relocation request, the New Jersey courts consider 12 factors, including:

• The rationale behind the move,
• The non-custodial parent’s objections to the move, including why he or she wants the child to remain in New Jersey,
• The parents’ history,
• Education opportunities, health resources and recreational activities available to the child in New Jersey and in the new location,
• How any special needs of the child will be addressed in either location,
• The non-custodial parent’s ability to maintain a meaningful relationship with the child if relocation is granted,
• Whether the custodial parent will encourage a meaningful relationship with the non-custodial parent if relocation is granted,
• How the move would impact the child’s relationships with other family members,
• The child’s preferences, if he or she is old enough for formulate a reasoned opinion,
• Whether the child is entering his or her final year of high school,
• Whether the non-custodial parent has the ability to relocate along with the child,
• Any other relevant factors.

The analysis of these factors is subjective, and the courts may assign greater or lesser weight to one factor based on the entirety of the circumstances. Contact our offices today to schedule your free consultation for your child custody relocation case.

Contact the Moorestown, NJ Offices of Cordry Hartman, LLC for Answers to Your Custody Relocation Questions Today

The family of child custody relocation lawyers at Cordry Hartman, LLC share your desire to protect the best interests of your child. We are often able to effectively negotiate an arrangement between the parents that keeps the child out of the courtroom in order to minimize the trauma of that experience for the child. Our lawyers can also help you understand how your specific circumstances may be interpreted by the court, which often helps in reaching an amicable settlement agreement that modifies the existing custody arrangement

At Cordry Hartman, LLC, our child custody lawyers have decades of experience in formulating smart and strong arguments in child custody relocation cases. In these cases, it is best to seek out skilled legal representation as early as possible in the process to ensure that your rights are protected. If you have questions about whether your child custody arrangement allows for relocation, contact our attorneys to schedule a confidential consultation today. Our office is conveniently located at 505 S Lenola Rd Suite 224, Moorestown, NJ 08057. We routinely represent clients in child custody relocation cases throughout New Jersey, including in Burlington County, Camden County, Gloucester County, Cumberland County, Cape May County, Salem County and Atlantic County.

Frequently Asked Questions About Relocation