Child Relocation Orders

What happens to children when a marriage or relationship breaks down?

Deciding where children will live when a relationship breaks down can be one of the most complex and stressful elements of the process. Normally there will be a resident parent and a non-resident parent, and where the children are living locally a schedule for contact will be agreed, whereby the non-resident parent can spend an agreed amount of time with the children on a routine basis.

Harrogate Family Law can help both parties with this process in terms of explaining the rights of both the resident and non-resident parent, or other parties with parental responsibilities, and advising on the process of arranging a formal agreement.

Domestic child relocation

Naturally there are occasions where the resident parent decides to move a longer distance away from the non-resident parent, making regular contact difficult. This could be for many different reasons; the relationship between the parents is difficult, a new job, a new relationship or simply the resident parent wants a new start in a new location. Because the non-resident parent will greatly value the contact he/she has with the children, it is important that the right process is followed before any move happens to enable them to maintain a healthy relationship with the children.

We can help ease this process and advise either party on how regular contact can be maintained, and what rights each parent has. The resident parent should consult with the non-resident parent over contact and what is or isn’t reasonable. We can advise on issues such as offering to cover travel expenses and how each party can negotiate to avoid conflict and to minimise disruption.

International Child Relocation

There are also cases where a resident parent will wish to move abroad; again this could be for work, a relationship or to move back to a country of origin. In this case the resident parent requires the permission of the other parent, and if this is not forthcoming they need to seek permission from the courts through a relocation application.

Harrogate Family Law can advise on how a resident parent should plan and prepare for an international relocation, we can help with the application and defending it in court and we can also advise and support the non-resident parent in what will be an emotional process.

Experienced and dedicated family law solicitors

During your first meeting with us, we will gain a good understanding of your story and circumstances and begin the process of supporting you through a child relocation. 95% of our cases are agreed and settled out of court, and it is always our objective to offer calm, supportive advice and to mediate between two parties to reach an amicable solution. As leading family law solicitors in Yorkshire, you can rely on Harrogate Family Law to provide the best means of reaching an agreement that suits you and your children and minimises upset, stress and disruption, so give us a call today.