Questions About Relocating Children? Our Massachusetts Attorneys Can Help.
One of the most contentious issues that divorced couples deal with is one parent's desire to move away with a minor child. It's most common for move-away issues to come up when some time has passed after the divorce. When parents start making new lives for themselves, they may obtain new jobs, new spouses and even new children, if they have kids with a new husband or wife. These events may lead to a move away to a new town.
The Home-Court Advantage
At the Worcester office of The Massachusetts Family Law Group (MFLG), our attorneys help parents in matters related to relocating with a child. Our clients include parents who are seeking to move, as well as parents who wish to oppose a removal. In each case, we provide clients with our home-court advantage. Because our attorneys appear in Worcester County Family and Probate Court almost every day, we know the judges and the legal standards under which each case will likely be reviewed. We've learned how to anticipate the strengths and weaknesses of each matter.
Negotiation or Trial? We Use the Method Most Likely to Work for a Client.
Parents who cannot agree about relocating children can go to court and go before a judge to seek removal from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The alternative to a court appearance is negotiation; this is less expensive and often less contentious. Our Worcester lawyers have successfully negotiated and litigated relocation actions. In most cases, there's a middle ground that can end up being acceptable to both parents while, at all times, focusing on the best interests of the child.
We approach each case as if going to trial; if the case is tried, we are prepared to be aggressive and zealous advocates for our clients. If the case settles before trial, we have all the ammunition we need to obtain the best outcome for our client.
Factors in Relocation
If the parties cannot agree and the matter goes to trial, the judge considers the following factors:
- Whether the proposed move will negatively affect the parenting plan
- Whether the move will disrupt the continuity and stability of the child's surroundings
- Whether the child's life will improve because of a parent's better job or more contact with grandparents and other family members
- Whether the motive of the move is to limit the other spouse's contact with the child
Learn More About Custody and Parenting Plans
Contact our law firm to learn how our Worcester child custody lawyers can help. We offer a FREE, no obligation consultation — starting at 5 a.m., at night or over the weekend. Call us toll free at (800) 970-LAWYER. In addition to our main office in downtown Worcester, we have our offices all across Massachusetts.
