What if it is an emergency?
In a previous blog post, I introduced the serious child custody and family law situation where a parent wants to making a substantial move (relocation) and take the children with them. Substantial anxiety almost always follows in the noncustodial parent. How will my custody periods be changed? Will I be able to maintain a relationship with my children? Can the other parent even do that without my consent?
Pennsylvania law underwent a major change in 2011 to its child custody relocation statute. Under Pennsylvania’s present child custody law, the parent who wants to move must provide at least sixty days notice to the other parent. Often times it is impossible to provide the sixty days required in a typical relocation case because of the nature of the circumstances prompting the move. The law provides a shortened ten day notice because of an emergency relocation situation. In emergency circumstances, the notice must be sent within ten days of learning that you will have to move and applies only in cases where it would not be possible to give proper notice. The new child custody law relocation provisions create a potential mine field for parents that must relocate.
I will discuss additional considerations and requirements when one parent desires to relocate in upcoming 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. For additional information, please check out the dedicated Amori & Associates family law website at http://divorceandfamilylawattorney.amoriandassociates.com
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 Amori & Associates at (570) 421-1406 for a no obligation consultation.