This is the next post in a series of articles discussing child relocation requests when a father is forced to move outside of Illinois to accept new employment. Whether a recession results in job loss or if a better opportunity arises elsewhere, it may be necessary to accept a new job out of state with very little notice. The previous post in this series discussed the process of requesting permission to move with a child on an expedited basis to start a new job. This article will discuss the importance of preparing a detailed relocation plan to present to the court in support of this request. If you need assistance preparing a relocation request, contact my office to speak with a Peoria fathers’ rights lawyer.
As previously discussed, the court will carefully weigh the decision to grant a parent’s motion to relocate a child outside of Illinois. Even when the reason for the move is for urgent reemployment, the court will want to see as much information as possible showing how the move will benefit the child. Prior to making such a request, therefore, it is imperative to prepare a detailed relocation plan to present to the court with your motion. To the extent possible, the requesting parent should be prepared to present information about the new job, living arrangements, school systems, and any other circumstances justifying the motion. In addition, it is important to outline a proposed, realistic, visitation schedule with the other parent that will ensure they have adequate means of maintaining a relationship with the child.
For example, suppose a Peoria father with primary custody of his child is laid off from his manufacturing job. He is the breadwinner for his family and also provides health care benefits for his child. Due to an economic downturn, other plants are also laying off workers and there are very few job opportunities available. He receives a job offer at a plant in Ohio in a supervising role, but he must accept the job and start within two weeks. At his preliminary hearing, he should be prepared to share information about his new employment and reasons for accepting it. He may wish to include details about how the new opportunity represents a wage increase, health benefits, and opportunities for future advancement if applicable. His plan should also identify as many specifics as possible in light of the shortened planning period, such as location, timing of the move, living arrangements, childcare, and school system information. The plan should include details about visitation or maintaining contact with the child’s mother, including possible travel arrangements. The more information he can provide, the higher likelihood of approval, even if not every aspect of the relocation is finalized.
In tough economic times, one may have little choice but to accept employment outside of Illinois to continue to support their family. If you need assistance with a relocation request, my office can assist you through the legal process. Contact us to speak with a Peoria fathers’ rights attorney today. I also 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.