The Woodlands Family Attorney

Family Law Attorney for Parental Relocation in Texas

Parental relocation is a common and complex issue in Texas family law cases when one parent decides to move from where they currently live and bring their child with them. The decision to move with a child can be challenging, and it can very quickly lead to contentious disputes. Parents must consider the best interests of their children, as well as their own financial stability, job outlook, and child custody arrangements outlined in the court order created during their divorce proceedings. In Texas, the courts will closely examine cases involving parental relocation as they look to ensure that the move will be in the child's best interests.

At The Bihm Firm, PLLC, we understand how momentous a decision it can be to want to relocate with your child. If you are considering relocating to another county or state and bringing your child with you, it is essential to seek legal counsel. An experienced Texas family attorney can advise you on your legal rights and obligations under Texas law and the potential consequences of relocating or opposing the other parent's plans to move with your child. We can also provide representation in a variety of other family law matters, including establishing paternity, adopting a child, addressing child support concerns, or creating prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.

Reasons Why a Parent Would Want to Relocate With Their Child

Parents in Texas may seek relocation for several reasons. In most cases, the decision to relocate will require parents to address child custody and visitation issues, and their parenting plan may be modified to reflect how their circumstances will change after a parent moves. Some of the most common reasons why a parent may want to relocate include:

• Career or employment opportunities - Often, a parent will seek to pursue job opportunities in another city or state. While an offer of employment could provide significant financial benefits for the parent and child, it may also provide other advantages. For example, a parent may wish to move with their child because a new job will allow them to provide better healthcare for their family, or they may be able to follow a flexible work schedule that will allow them to spend more time with their child.
• More support or closer to family - Sometimes, a parent may want to relocate to be closer to a family or a support network of friends. The aftermath of a divorce can be very hard to deal with, especially when friends and family do not live close enough to where a person can easily visit them. When such situations arise, a parent may decide that relocation is their best option.
• Living space - Parents may want to move to pursue a better living situation. The opportunity to live in a larger home or a neighborhood with more amenities may allow them to expand their child's health and wellness opportunities.
• Parental remarriage - When a parent decides to marry a new partner, they may choose to relocate to another state or region. While remarriage may provide benefits for a parent, they will also need to show that their child will benefit by moving to a new home in a different area and living with their step-parent.
• Safety - In some cases, a parent may believe that it is necessary to move to a new home in order to protect the safety of themselves and their child. This may be a reason for relocation in cases where a parent and/or child has experienced domestic violence or abuse, or a parent may believe that it is necessary to move their child to a new neighborhood and school due to issues such as bullying.
• Educational opportunities - This is often one of the primary reasons why a parent may want to move their child. If the school system where the child currently resides is below average, a parent may take it upon themselves to improve the educational environment the child will be exposed to and brought up in.

Whatever the reason for wanting to move, a parent who wishes to relocate must have persuasive evidence that the move will benefit the child in a meaningful way. If they cannot demonstrate the move will benefit the child, or if the other parent can show that the relocation will cause harm to their relationship with the child, it may be more difficult for a relocation request to be approved.

Contact a Family Law Attorney in The Woodlands

It is often said that issues related to children are among the most contentious and emotionally charged concerns in any divorce or family law case. When addressing issues related to parental relocation, child custody, or other family law concerns, you need a dependable attorney who can advocate for you throughout the legal process. At The Bihm Firm, PLLC, our compassionate and reliable family lawyer is someone families can work with and trust as they address their legal needs. For legal representation in this legal matter, contact us at 936-788-6100 for a free consultation.