Bellevue Child Relocation Lawyer

A parent seeking to move away to a different city or state can impact child custody and visitation schedules.

As a result, child custody move-away cases, also referred to as parental relocation, are often strongly contested.

Working with a Bellevue child relocation lawyer who can help you fight for your case is critical.

Why Choose Our Child Relocation Lawyers?

• Our team has more than 40 years of combined experience and is prepared to aggressively fight for your rights.
• We have a thorough knowledge of the state’s laws related to relocation and have helped countless clients succeed in child custody cases.
• Our child relocation lawyers in Bellevue understand the importance of the outcome to your case and will help you strategically craft a plan to protect your rights.

How a Child Relocation Attorney Can Help

Due to the weight of this type of case, it is critical to hire skilled representation to ensure your parental rights are protected. The court will always consider the best interests of the child when deciding a case. Therefore, whether you are a parent wishing to relocate or seeking to prevent it, a Bellevue child relocation attorney will help you prove that you have your child’s best interests in mind.

Parent-Child Relocation Laws in Washington

When there is an existing custody order, the primary parent cannot move away without first giving notice to the other parent. Depending on how far away the primary parent wishes to relocate, Washington law has different requirements for the process. For further questions, read this guide here.

Moving Within the Child’s Same School District

If a primary parent intends to move but will remain within the child’s same school district, the other parent cannot object to the relocation. The primary parent must only give notice to anyone with visitation rights or residential time with the child, which can be done in person, on the phone, or by sending a certified letter.

Moving Outside of the Child’s School District

If a primary parent intends to move outside their child’s school district, they must first give formal notice to the other parent at least 60 days in advance. The formal notice can be delivered by mail and requires a signature from the recipient or a third party who signs a statement that the other parent was notified.

If there is an emergency and the primary parent cannot give notice of relocation at least 60 days in advance, they must inform the other parent within five days of becoming aware of the move. However, the primary parent will have to prove that they could not have given 60 days’ notice and that the move cannot be delayed.

How A Parent Can Stop Their Child From Moving Away

After receiving notice that a primary parent intends to move, the other parent has 30 days to file an objection with the court. A child relocation lawyer in Bellevue can assist in preparing and filing this objection, as well as ensuring copies are served to the primary parent and anyone with visitation rights to the child. A hearing will then be scheduled where a judge will decide if moving away is in the child’s best interests.

While waiting for the hearing, the other parent can request temporary orders that order a child’s return or prevent the primary parent from moving away until the case is decided. Similarly, the primary parent can ask the court for temporary permission to relocate, but there is no guarantee that a judge will grant it.

Our Bellevue Child Relocation Attorneys Will Fight for You

Whether you wish to relocate or stop a parent from moving away with your child, it is critical to discuss your rights with a Bellevue child relocation lawyer as soon as possible. To schedule a free consultation, call 425-517-3350. or send us a message online today