This is the final post in a series of articles discussing child relocation requests when a parent is forced to move outside of the area to accept new employment. Layoffs, furloughs, and unexpected terminations of employment can wreak havoc on a family’s finances. When opportunities for re-employment are limited, the only option may be to seek new employment out of state. For parents who share custody of a child, the decision to move will require court approval and, for obvious reasons, may become contentious. One objective of this series has been to help parents understand how the relocation request process works in Illinois, particularly when the need is urgent for purposes of new employment. Another goal has been to explain how a parent may defend against their co-parent’s relocation request. If you need assistance, contact my office today to speak with an attorney.
This series discussed the following key topics:
- Requesting permission to relocate out of state when new employment starts immediately
- Preparing a relocation plan when the request is due to immediate re-employment
- Defending against a request to move the child out of state
- Requesting permission to move based on non-immediate employment reasons
During tough economic times, finding and keeping a job can be difficult for many Peoria parents. Some may even be forced to move outside of the state to take a new job. Residents who need to relocate for work should understand how the court will view such a request for several reasons. First, requests to relocate with a child are taken seriously by family court judges, regardless of the reason underlying such a request. Judges consider a variety of factors in determining whether the move is in the child’s best interest. Understanding these issues in advance can help one prepare for court. Second, even if a parent has little time to prepare for their move-away hearing, it is imperative to present as much information as possible to the court about the relocation. The more developed the relocation plan, the better the chance of receiving court approval. Third, the parent who is not moving may oppose their counterpart’s request to move with their child on a variety of grounds. It is possible to successfully challenge a relocation request under certain circumstances. Last, parents may wish to move for reasons other than immediate re-employment. It is important to understand what factors may influence the judge’s decision in these situations.
My firm understands how changes in employment can impact Peoria, Illinois families. I have experience in a variety of child custody issues, including relocation requests. If you need assistance, contact my office to schedule a consultation with an attorney. In addition to Peoria, I serve clients in the cities of Bloomington, Eureka, Galesburg, Morton, Normal, Pekin, Springfield, and Washington. I also serve the counties of Fulton, Knox, LaSalle, Marshall, Mason, McLean, Putnam, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, and Woodford.