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Will parental relocation affect child custody in Illinois?

On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Child Custody on Thursday, July 5, 2012.

There are a number of different reasons why a parent would want to move after a divorce. Maybe the family home is just no longer affordable. Or maybe the neighborhood or county where the family used to live in Illinois is just not longer financially feasible. However, before either parent just picks up and moves, it’s important to first learn about relocation.

For custodial parents, the first thing to do is look at the divorce agreement. If there are no stipulations that address what would happen in the case of one parent relocating, now is the time to talk with a family law attorney and file a petition with the proper court to ask for permission to move.

In this petition, while every jurisdiction is different, the basics will include the reason for moving — and if the move will affect time with the child’s other parent — just how this time will be made up. In some cases, making up the time could actually end up meaning the other parent spends even more time with the child, like having all school vacations or the summer. Whatever the case is, the important thing is to make sure that both parents’ rights are protected when it comes to being able to spend quality time with their child and that this is clearly laid out through a new proposed child custody or visitation schedule.

Of course, this is also only one piece, as relocation could mean the tables are turned and the other parent is attempting to move the child to a new area. In those cases where a parent wishes to fight back against this request, it’s important to respond quickly. A family law attorney can also be of great assistance when it comes to explaining relocation request options in Illinois.

Source: Huffington Post, “How Do I Relocate After Obtaining Custody of My Children?” Eyal Talassazan, July 2, 2012

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