West Des Moines Child Custody Attorneys Advise on Relocation

Balancing benefits and burdens when custodial parents move their children

There are enormous challenges to coordinating a custody and visitation schedule among people with busy lives. The greatest challenge comes when a custodial parent decides to relocate at a distance that makes the current joint custody or visitation routine impossible. Now, you’re back in court, re-litigating a highly emotional issue that you thought you’d finalized. At the Hope Law Firm, P.L.C., we understand the anguish parents feel when forced to make hard choices with potential long-term consequences. We make sure that you understand your legal options, so that, whether you’re trying to get the court to approve your relocation or prevent your ex from moving your children, you can make the right decision for you and your children.

When can a custodial parent in Iowa relocate the children out of state?

An Iowa divorce decree sets specific parameters for custody and visitation. A custodial parent cannot move the child to a distance that would cause hardship for the noncustodial parent, without first getting a new custody order. The court may permit the move if, after weighing the burden on the relationship between the child and the noncustodial parent against the benefit of the move to the child, it decides the move is in the best interests of the child.

The noncustodial parent can attempt to block the move, arguing it would be detrimental to the child, and even asking the court to grant physical custody.

Negotiating time-sharing solutions that serve your children’s best interest

At the Hope Law Firm, we try to reach a negotiated agreement to which both sides pledge to commit, rather than leaving the issue in the hands of the judge. We’ve helped parents work out time-share agreements and adjusted child support obligations to meet the new circumstances. Most compromises involve joint custody arrangements where children live with one parent while attending school, and spend the summers and selected holidays with the other. However, there are circumstances where negotiated solutions are impossible, and we litigate these cases aggressively to protect our clients’ parental rights.

Contact West Des Moines child custody lawyers with experience in relocation litigation

Your relationship with your children is the most important one in your life. In relocation cases, our concerned attorneys work to assert your parental rights and promote the best interests of your children. Call the Hope Law Firm, P.L.C. at 515-255-3559 or contact our West Des Moines office online to schedule an appointment.