If you’re a single parent trying to advocate in court to relocate with your children, you could be facing a losing battle if the other parent doesn’t agree with your wish to move away. However, if you can prove that the move is in the best interests of your child and you can meet the good faith burden of proof for why it’s in their best interests, you might be able to get approval to relocate.
Individuals can achieve the good faith burden of proof by showing one or more of the following:
- The relocation will involve living in a place that has a dramatically better cost of living so you can offer the child a much better quality of life.
- The relocation allows the child to live closer to family members who will assist in child-rearing tasks.
- A lucrative job offer is on the table that requires relocation.
- Moving to a new location will allow you to continue your education, and this will ultimately serve to better the child’s life.
The noncustodial parent might still argue against the above reasons by trying to claim that you have a bad faith reason for leaving the state — like trying to distance the child from their other parent.
If you want to move to a new state with your child, our attorneys can review the details of your situation with you and advise you of your legal rights and options. If necessary, we will help you take legal action to seek court approval for the relocation that you believe will benefit your child.