In Family Law, a parent deciding to make a substantial move and wanting to take the children can induce real anxiety in the noncustodial parent. How will my custody periods be changed? Will I be able to maintain a relationship with my children? Can they even do that without my consent?
Help!
Pennsylvania made substantial changes to its child custody law as it relates to the relocation of a parent. If you have a custody arrangement where you are the primary custodian looking to relocate, you should take the time to talk to an attorney before making the move. Under the Pennsylvania’s new Custody law, the primary custodial parent must file a petition with the court to Relocate sixty days prior to actually moving. All of the details pertaining to the move must be included in the Petition. Where will you be living? Where will the child be going to school? Why are you moving? If it is for new employment, where will you be working? The petition must be served on the other parent along with a Counter-affidavit that gives the other parent an opportunity to object to the move.
I will discuss additional considerations when one parent desires to relocate in subsequent blog posts.
It is crucial that you have an experienced family law attorney if you find yourself in the situation where you are moving, or where the other parent is moving. At Amori & Associates, LLC, the experienced family law attorneys Victoria A. Strunk and Robert A. Saurman would be happy to discuss your situation. Please contact us at (570) 421-1406 for a no obligation consultation.