If you share custody of a child in Pennsylvania, relocating can be difficult. Do you know that there are specific steps that must be followed before you can relocate? Pennsylvania’s Child Custody Act sets forth strict procedural requirements to allow both parents to have an opportunity to advocate for or against a relocation, with the goal of preserving and promoting ongoing relationships between the child and both of his or her parents.
When deciding whether to grant permission for a parent to relocate with a child, Pennsylvania courts must consider:
- The nature, quality, and amount of involvement, and the length of the child’s relationship with you and with the non-relocating party, siblings and other significant people in the child’s life;
- The age, developmental stage, needs of the child and the likely impact the relocation will have on the child’s physical, educational and emotional development, taking into consideration any special needs of the child;
- The possibility of preserving the relationship between the non-relocating party and the child through appropriate custody arrangements, considering the location and financial circumstances of the parties;
- The child’s preference, taking into consideration the age and maturity of the child;
- Whether there is an established pattern of conduct of either party to help or harm the relationship of the child and the other party;
- Whether the relocation will improve the general quality of life financially, emotionally, educationally, etc., for you and for your child;
- The reasons and motivation of you for seeking the relocation and of the other party for opposing the relocation;
- The present and past abuse committed by a party or member of the party’s household and whether there is a continued risk of harm to the child or you (if you were abused); and
- Any other factor affecting the best interest of the child.
At this office, our attorneys are experienced in working with families to successfully navigate the complexities of the relocation process, from preparing the required Court paperwork to analyzing the above factors.