The Woodlands Child Relocation Lawyers

Committed to Helping You Obtain Optimum Results in Houston

Child relocation is an issue that can arise between unmarried or divorced parents at any time when sharing custody of a child. Many different reasons can lead to a parent wishing to move across state or to another state. However, as a parent you cannot just pick up and leave the geographical area when sharing custody. A move out of the area can have a major impact on the other parent’s relationship and access to the child. Generally, such a move must either be agreed upon by both parents and sanctioned through the court or, if contested, it must be taken up with the court to determine if it serves the best interests of the child.

If you are facing such a situation, whether as the moving or non-moving parent, it is highly recommended that you seek legal assistance from a competent attorney in your area. This can be an extremely complex matter and putting forth your arguments to the court, whether for or against such a move, will require convincing evidence. At Parchman Law Group, PLLC, our legal team focuses its practice on family law issues every day in the local Houston courts. The Woodlands child relocation attorneys at our firm have a thorough understanding of the laws on this issue and how they can apply to your case. We can help you understand these laws and how courts decide them as well as thoroughly represent you in court.

Have a child relocation issue? Contact Parchman Law Group, PLLC online or at (713) 364-0777 for a free, initial consultation to learn more about your case.

Child Relocation in Texas

In many Texas joint custody arrangements between parents, you are restricted to a geographical location so that both you and the other parent can maintain the ongoing relationship with the child. This means that you cannot relocate the child out of that area without going to the court to get a modification of the custody order. Often, parents are restricted to their local county and perhaps nearby counties. Relocating a child farther from the area and certainly out of state could cause a hardship on the nonmoving parent in terms of maintaining his or her parenting plan and access to the child. It also might impose a financial hardship in terms of travel expenses in shutting the child back and forth across state lines.

The main consideration in a child relocation matter, however, is whether the relocation would be in the best interests of the child. That is the main guideline that courts operate on when determining any issue related to children. Reasons for the move could be positive ones, such as the moving parent obtaining a better job, getting remarried, or being able to afford a home. Such a move could also be for educational reasons or to be closer to extended family who would provide additional emotional or financial support for the moving parent. Finally, if the nonmoving parent has failed to maintain a frequent and continuing relationship with the child, the move may be granted by the court if it affords the child a better quality of life.

Courts will decide the issue of relocation based on a number of factors, such as:

• The reasons for the move
• The quality of the relationship the child has with each parent
• How much distance will be imposed between the child and the nonmoving parent and the impact that will have on the child and the nonmoving parent
• What impact the move will have on the child’s overall life, including school, friendships, sports, and more
• The age of the child
• Any other relevant factors

If the court suspects that the relocating parent has a hidden agenda such as creating alienation between the child and the nonmoving parent, the relocation will not be allowed.

Understanding Child Relocation Laws in Texas

When it comes to child relocation in Texas, there are specific laws and regulations that must be followed to ensure the best interests of the child are upheld. Our team of experienced The Woodlands child relocation attorneys at Parchman Law Group is well-versed in the legal requirements surrounding child relocation and can provide you with the diligent legal assistance you need.

Key aspects of child relocation laws in Texas include:

• Notification requirements to the other parent
• Evaluating the impact of relocation on the child's relationship with the non-relocating parent
• Court approval for relocation if the other parent does not consent
• Consideration of the child's best interests

Whether you are seeking to relocate with your child or contesting a proposed relocation, our team is committed to helping you navigate the complexities of child relocation laws in Texas and obtain the best possible outcome for you and your child.

Diligent Legal Assistance from Our Team

Fighting for or contesting a child relocation can be a complicated and stressful matter. All child relocation issues are decided on a case-by-case basis which means you must be thoroughly prepared to argue your side before a judge. Our capable lawyers can provide the guidance and representation you need at this critical time to help you put forth the most effective legal stance possible.

Reach out to us at (713) 364-0777 to speak with one of our family lawyers in The Woodlands today.