Can I Move with My Children After My Illinois Divorce?

 Posted on March 06, 2024 in Child Custody

Divorce is a new beginning. As your marriage concludes, your new life as a single and free adult begins. Wanting to move away from the place you lived with your spouse is normal and common. However, if you have minor children, bringing them with you when you move might complicate your divorce. If you are already divorced when you decide to relocate, you may need to modify your parenting plan. There are a lot of different factors to consider when you are relocating with children. The court will primarily be concerned with whether the move will be good for the child. You must also consider the logistics of helping your children consider their relationship with the other parent. An Arlington Heights, IL, child relocation attorney can guide your efforts at relocating and help you modify your parenting plan as needed.

How to Plan for Relocating With Your Children

When you are planning to move away with the children in your custody, there are quite a few things to consider in advance. Your attorney can help you work through a list of important considerations. A few factors you should think about and plan for include:

• Transporting the children - How will you physically transport the children to your ex-spouse’s house when he/she has parenting time? Are your children old enough to fly or ride a train without an adult present, and if so, who will pay for their travel? Will one of you be able to drive them back and forth? Who is responsible for taking the time off work to travel with them? 
• How the move will affect your children - If your children have a strong support network where they live now, will taking your child away from their family and friends be difficult for them? Or, if your child is getting bullied in school, could a new start at a new school benefit them? Do you have family or friends where you are moving to? Are the schools better where you are planning to move? Will your children have the same opportunities for extracurricular activities? 
• Facilitating a relationship with the other parent - Courts in Illinois usually want to see that children who have relocated can still enjoy a positive relationship with the parent who did not move. Are you willing to schedule routine video calls with the other parent? Will you send your ex-spouse pictures and videos of your children?

While moving can be a wonderful experience for children and their parents alike, it is important to have a detailed plan.

Contact an Arlington Heights, IL, Child Relocation Lawyer

Law Offices of Donald J. Cosley is committed to helping parents find a new beginning by moving away after they have gone through a divorce. Skilled DuPage County, IL, parenting plan modifications attorney Don Cosely will personally handle all aspects of your case so you can be sure you are getting the best representation possible. Contact us at 847-253-3100 for a free consultation.