Weld County Lawyer - Relocate After a Divorce

When parents share custody, a move out of state can significantly impair the parent-child relationship between the children moving out of state and the parent remaining in Colorado.

For this reason, Colorado laws do not allow a custodial parent to move out of state — or even far away within Colorado — without the consent of the noncustodial parent or the approval of the court. These laws recognize that a child's best interests are usually best served by providing frequent and continuing contact with both parents.

Child relocation cases are some of the most heavily contested family law cases in Colorado. Whether you are requesting to relocate with your child, or you object to the removal of your child from Colorado, it is important to hire an experienced child custody attorney who will fight aggressively on your behalf.

Grant, Hoffman & Kamada, PC
Greeley, Colorado
970-356-5666 | E-Mail

Our divorce and child custody attorneys at Grant, Hoffman & Kamada, PC, provide experienced, responsive and individualized legal help to clients facing relocation issues in Northern Colorado.

Child Relocation — Moving Out of State With the Child

When a custodial parent wishes to relocate with the child after a divorce, the parent must supply the noncustodial parent with appropriate written notice — including the new location, reason for the relocation and proposed modifications to the existing parenting plan — as early as possible prior to the move. If the parent fails to provide notice, the court may require the parent to return to Colorado in order to resolve the matter and could hold the parent in contempt for failing to comply with the existing child custody order.

If the noncustodial parent objects to the relocation, a removal hearing is scheduled and the court will decide what is in the best interests of the children. There are specific questions the court will look at to decide whether to approve the relocation:

• Why does the parent want to move with the child?
• Why does the other parent object to the move?
• What is the history and quality of each parent's relationship with the child?
• What are the educational opportunities for the child where he or she currently lives, as compared to the opportunities in the proposed new location?
• Is there extended family in the present home community and/or in the proposed new community?
• What benefits are there if the child continues to live with the custodial parent?
• What are the anticipated effects on the child of the move?
• Can meaningful parenting time (visitation) be afforded to the other parent if the move or relocation is granted?

Informative Legal Guidance in Greeley, Colorado

Whether seeking to relocate after a divorce (and modify a child custody order), or stop a relocation from occurring, you can trust that our family law attorneys will provide the dedicated legal service you need. We answer your questions regarding your rights or obligations, discuss your options moving forward and keep you updated on the progress of your case. Our negotiation skills frequently enable us to devise solutions to complex problems, such as relocation disputes. However, when necessary, we stand ready and able to fight for your rights in court.

Contact Grant, Hoffman & Kamada, PC
Greeley, Colorado

Discuss your child custody and relocation concerns with a skilled Greeley family law attorney in a confidential initial consultation.

Call 970-356-5666 or send us an e-mail.