Divorce. Child Custody. Adoption. Wills. Difficult Family Law Issues.

Father granted sole custody of toddler when mother moved away

On Behalf of | Nov 14, 2013 | Uncategorized

Issues surrounding custody of children during a divorce can be some of the most difficult for Houston parents to work through. The loss of time with their children is never easy and courts work to find agreements for child custody that are in the best interest of the child or children in question. It is not uncommon in many states to have the custody order include parameters for or restrictions on parental relocation, in an effort for both parents to maintain a good relationship with children.
Such was the situation in a divorce in New York in which the parents signed a joint custody agreement that prevented either of them from moving away without either the approval of the other parent or of the court. However, only one month after the divorce was final, the mother accepted a job that would take her roughly 230 miles away from her ex-husband. When the child’s father refused to approve of the relocation, the woman petitioned the court for permission.

While waiting for a decision, the mother—a graduate of Cornell Law School the prior year—moved away with the couple’s then 18-month old son. Two months later, the court awarded sole custody to the father. In the court’s decision, it was noted that the mother did not adequately seek employment near the father and the petition of the mother was dismissed.
Situations like these can and do occur in many states. Visitation rights, child custody agreement modifications and more can arise when least expected. Anyone facing such challenges may be able to make the best decisions after consulting with an experienced family law attorney.

Source: Above The Law, “Recent Law Grad Loses Custody Of Child After Taking Only Job She Was Offered,” Staci Zaretsky, October 25, 2013

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