8 Factors That Determine If Children Can Be Moved Out of Rhode Island After a Divorce
When your divorce is final, you may breathe a sigh of relief that the ordeal is finally over. However, if you have children with your spouse, you may find that problems arise later that you must resolve together or need a determination by a judge. Relocating after a divorce is a significant issue when there are children involved. Even if you experience a job loss, remarry, or have a legitimate reason to move, your spouse may not agree to your children being taken out of the area or out of state.
Obtaining Permission to Move Your Children Out of State
In order to move your children out of state after your divorce, you will need to obtain the permission of your spouse or the judge in the Family Court that decided your divorce. If your spouse is fighting your move, you will need to file a motion and attend a court hearing. The judge’s decision will be based on the best interests of your children and not whether you have a compelling reason to move. Under Rhode Island law, the following factors are considered in deciding if the move is in your children’s best interests:
The nature of the children’s relationships with each parent—both quality and extent of involvement—and significant others like grandparents and extended family members
The age and needs of the children and how the proposed move would affect their emotional, physical, and educational well-being
How the relocation would affect the children’s relationship with the non-custodial parent and how visitation would be arranged
What the children’s preferences are if they are old enough and mature enough to have a reasonable opinion on this
Whether the move is being proposed to hurt the non-custodial parent’s relationship with the children
Whether the children’s quality of life would be improved financially and emotionally if they move
Why the parent wants to relocate and the reasons the non-custodial parent is opposing the move
Any other factors that show relocating would be in the best interests of the children
Do You Need To Speak To A Rhode Island Divorce Attorney?
If you are considering a divorce you need to speak with an experienced Rhode Island divorce attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Warwick office directly at 401.946.3200 to schedule your free consultation. We help divorce clients in Providence, Warwick and all areas of Rhode Island.
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together or need a determination by a judge. Relocating after a divorce is a significant issue when there are children involved. Even if you experience a job loss, remarry, or have a legitimate reason to move, your spouse may not agree to your children being taken out of the area or out of state.