Parents make many important decisions about their children’s upbringing. They decide what medical care their children receive and what religion they observe. They also choose where the children live, as well as what kind of schooling they receive.
In many cases, decisions about living arrangements can influence educational opportunities, as the primary residence of the children may determine what school district they can attend. Living arrangements also influence the schedule for sharing parenting time.
Parents who share custody may find themselves hoping for a fresh start and may pursue better opportunities in new locations. When do they need permission in advance to relocate with their children?
When a move could affect parenting plan
New Jersey state statutes specifically require pre-approval for any relocation that may take the children out of the state. A New Jersey parent intending to move to New York or back home to Minnesota, where their parents live, needs either the consent of their co-parent or approval from the courts.
Depending on the terms included in the custody order, consent from a co-parent may also be necessary for a move within the state. If the relocation involves enough distance to complicate the current parenting arrangements, then the parent proposing the move may need to negotiate new arrangements with their co-parent or ask the courts to approve their relocation request.
Typically, relocations require a substantial modification of the current parenting arrangements. When regular exchanges of custody are no longer realistic due to the distance between the parents’ homes, the division of parenting time can change significantly.
Preparing in advance before a relocation with children can make necessary custody changes easier to navigate. Co-parents preparing for significant moves may need guidance as they prepare to communicate with the other parent or take the matter to family court, and that’s okay.
