Having the “happily ever after” is something that many people hope for. A loving spouse, wonderful children and the perfect home is the dream for most Americans. Unfortunately, people in Georgia sometimes find that life doesn’t end up “happily ever after” and may then wonder what to do if they find themselves in that situation. After a divorce, many find themselves having to move and relocate their children.
There are many complicated subjects involved in a divorce. One of the most difficult issues is child custody and being able to relocate. If the custody parent tries to relocate a child in order to obtain a higher paying job or to move closer to a support system, a family court judge may not always find it to be in the best interest for a child. A child’s well-being supersedes any and all circumstances.
Many non-custodial parents will try to contest the custody parent from relocating a child. Many courts will want “proof” that the move will cause “minimal impact” on a child. This could mean proving that a child’s quality of life will improve from the move even though they will be physically separated from one parent.
Many are critically scrutinized by loved ones and the court system for deciding to move. Labels such as vengeful, angry and bitter can be used to describe people who choose to relocate children. Making a life-altering decision to relocate a child after a divorce is one that should not be made while emotions are running high.
Even though approximately half of American marriages end in a divorce, people in Georgia should realize there is no “cookie cutter” application for how relocating could impact a child. The old saying “all is fair in love and war” is not so true when children are involved. When it comes down to it, however, both the custodial and non-custodial parents have rights that they may wish to pursue in a family court in an effort to make sure their children’s bests interests are being met.
Source: The Huffington Post, 6 Things to Expect and Consider When Relocating with Children After Divorce, Andrea Moore, Dec. 18, 2013