Lives and circumstances change as time passes, which may impact your child custody and visitation agreement. A new job opportunity, a new relationship, wanting to be closer to family or even just wanting a fresh start may push you to move. As a parent, however, you will have to put more into your decision.
Understanding what the court expects of you and how your planned relocation may affect your relationship with your child may help you decide if relocating is the right move for you.
Geographical restrictions
According to txaccess.org, your ability to move depends on your existing child custody and visitation order. If your order includes a geographical restriction or a specified area in which you must reside, you will likely need permission to relocate. You may reach an agreement with your child’s other parent, or you may petition the court.
Visitation changes
The distance you plan to move will determine whether your visitation schedule will change. If you intend to relocate more than 100 miles away from your child, you have the option of continuing visitation on the first, third and fifth weekends, or you may choose to switch to only one weekend per month. Moving may cost you your weekday visits, however, it will add time to your summer visitation. If you do not plan to move more than 100 miles away, or your relocation will not take you out of the specified geographical area, your custody arrangement will likely not change.
Avoiding custody disputes may help prevent headaches for you and distress for your child. Therefore, you may consider options to modify your existing agreement so that it best works for your family and situation.
