Relocation

A move can be the best thing for a family or the end of a child's regular time with one parent. Washington has a notice process when a parent the child mostly lives with plans to move, and the other parent can object within a set time. We help parents who want to move and parents who want to keep a child close, and we spend a lot of time on the part that matters most: a long-distance plan that keeps both parents in the child's life.

Who usually calls us about this

What we do

1. 1 Prepare or review the relocation notice and check every date
2. 2 File a timely objection when you oppose the move
3. 3 Build a long-distance plan: summers, holidays, travel costs and video calls
4. 4 Gather the facts a court weighs, such as school, family support and the child's ties
5. 5 Seek temporary orders when timing is tight

How Washington usually handles it

In general terms. Your facts, your county and recent changes in the law all matter, so ask us how this applies to you.

• A parent planning to move with a child usually has to give written notice ahead of time.
• The other parent can object within a set period. Missing that window can limit your options.
• Courts weigh many factors, including the child's relationships, stability and the reasons for and against the move.
• Most relocation cases end with a revised parenting plan, whether or not the move happens.

An example of how this can go

Example outcomes are illustrations for this demo, based on common situations. Every family and every case is different. Past results do not predict or guarantee the result of any future case, and nothing here is legal advice. More example outcomes

Common questions

All questions