Life does not stand still after a divorce. Job opportunities arise, new relationships form, and family needs change. For parents, these changes can sometimes mean relocating to a different city, county, or even another state. When families include children, moving is not as simple as packing boxes and hiring a moving truck. In New Jersey, a parent’s ability to relocate with a child depends on a comprehensive evaluation of what is best for the child and the rights of both parents.
When parents share custody or parenting time, moving can disrupt a child’s routine, schooling, and relationship with the other parent. Courts want to ensure that any relocation preserves the child’s stability and ongoing connection with both parents whenever possible. This means that a move, even within New Jersey, requires agreement from the other parent or court approval.
Relocation cases can be highly emotional and complex. In New Jersey, when parents cannot agree, the court will decide based on what it believes is in the best interest of the child. This is why it is critical to have a clear plan, open communication, and the right legal guidance.
Moving after a divorce is about more than changing addresses – it is about balancing new opportunities with the need for stability in your child’s life. Whether you are the parent hoping to relocate or the one concerned about staying connected, planning ahead and understanding your options are essential.
If you are considering relocation or facing a dispute over a move, the family law team at Cohn Lifland Pearlman Herrmann & Knopf LLP is here to help. We will guide you through the process, explain your options and work toward a solution that puts your child’s well-being first.