Our Experienced Spokane Child Relocation Attorneys Are Ready to Assist You
At Hodgson Law Office in Spokane, our experienced child relocation attorneys are ready to assist you with your relocation needs. We understand that child relocation matters can be complex and emotional, and we're here to provide you with the guidance and support you need to protect your rights and achieve a successful outcome.
Whether you're a primary residential parent seeking to relocate with your minor children or a non-custodial parent contesting a relocation, our attorneys have the knowledge and experience to assist you. We can help you understand your rights and responsibilities under Washington law, including the requirement to provide notice of intended relocation and the potential for contesting a relocation. Our team proudly serves clients throughout Spokane County, Stevens County, Lincoln County, and Adams County.
We also understand that child relocation matters can be complicated when there are existing court orders regarding parenting plans and visitation arrangements. Our attorneys can help you navigate these complexities and ensure that your parental rights are protected throughout the relocation process.
Common Child Relocation Legal Issues We Can Help You With
At Hodgson Law Office, our experienced child relocation attorneys can help you navigate the many legal issues that may arise during the relocation process. We understand that child relocation matters can be complex and emotional, and we're here to provide you with the guidance and support you need to protect your rights and achieve a successful outcome. Some of the common child relocation legal issues we can help you with include:
- - Complying with notice requirements for relocating
- - Modifying family support orders
- - Modifying custody and visitation orders
- - Developing and negotiating new custody or parenting plans
- - Addressing out-of-state relocations and jurisdictional issues under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act
With our help, you can ensure that the best interest of you and your family is protected throughout the relocation process
Contact Dedicated Washington State Child Relocation Attorneys Today!
If you're facing child relocation matters in Washington State, our dedicated attorneys are here to help. Contact Hodgson Law Office today to schedule a consultation and discuss your legal options. We'll provide you with the guidance and support you need to protect your rights and achieve a successful outcome.
Free ConsultationRelocation and Its Impact on Child Custody Arrangements
Child relocation and relocation actions can have a significant impact on your parental rights. Under Washington law, divorced parents of a minor child are typically subject to court orders regarding custody, parenting plans, and visitation arrangements. Relocation can result in a material change of circumstances that could justify modifying the terms of an existing custody or visitation arrangement.
If one parent plans to relocate, the other parent has the right to object. To successfully object to parental relocation, a party must prove that the detrimental consequences of moving outweigh the benefits. Our child relocation attorneys can help you understand your rights and obligations in a relocation action and work with you to protect your interests. Contact Hodgson Law Office in Spokane to schedule a consultation today.
What Is the Relocation Law for Children in Washington State?
In Washington State, the rules governing child relocation are detailed in RCW § 26.09.430. According to the statute, a person with whom the child resides a majority of the time must notify every other person entitled to residential time or visitation with the child under a court order if the person intends to relocate.
RCW § 26.09.440 stipulates that a custodial parent who wishes to relocate out of the child’s school district must give at least 60 days' notice to the other parent. The notice must be in writing and delivered via a process server or another form of mailing requiring a return receipt.
The non-custodial parent has 30 days from the receipt of the notice to object to the relocation, and failure to object may result in approval of the relocation by the court.
However, the courts will waive the 60-day notice requirement in emergency situations in which the custodial parent had very little notice of the need to move, such as military orders to relocate. Even in urgent matters, appropriate notice must be provided to the other parent.
Factors That Courts Consider in Child Relocation Cases
When it comes to child relocation cases, courts consider a range of factors to determine the best interests of the child. At Hodgson Law Office in Spokane, our team of diligent attorneys can help you navigate the complex legal landscape of child relocation and protect your legal rights. Some of the factors that courts consider in child relocation cases include:
- - The impact on family relations;
- - Good faith reasons and objections;
- - The age and developmental needs of the children;
- - Questions regarding the quality of life;
- - Alternatives to relocation;
- - The financial impact of relocating.
By working with an experienced child relocation attorney in Spokane, you can ensure that these factors are taken into account and that your interests are protected throughout the process.
Options for Parents Against Relocation
If you're a noncustodial parent who has received notice of the intended relocation of your child, you have the option to object to the relocation within 30 days. Failing to object within that time period may result in the court allowing the relocation. To voice your objections, you may file a petition for modification of the parenting plan or other relevant paperwork, such as a motion for a temporary order, to be heard by the court. It's important to get a formal court action on the court's calendar so that a hearing with a judge can be scheduled. At the hearing, the noncustodial parent must prove that the negative effects outweigh the benefits of the relocation.
Following the hearing, the judge will issue a written order based on Washington law, but cannot consider whether the noncustodial parent will have to relocate as well.
Why Choose the Hodgson Law Office?
Choosing the right family law attorney is crucial for child relocation matters. At Hodgson Law Office in Spokane, we provide proven legal guidance and representation for families. Here's why we're the right choice:
Our attorneys have extensive experience in family law, including child relocation cases, ensuring effective representation and guidance.
We offer free initial consultations to discuss your case and provide clear legal options.
Our tailored approach ensures legal strategies that meet unique goals and needs.
We handle all aspects of your case to achieve favorable outcomes.
Our clients are a priority and we prioritize open and honest communication throughout the legal process.