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Child custody laws & moving to another state

Unless the child custody order already permits you to move the child to another state, you may not do so without first obtaining the judge's approval. This would normally require that the custodial parent have a legitimate - and perhaps compelling - reason to move out of state. The judge may grant approval, but she may also change the custody or visitation arrangements or make any other order that is in the best interest of the child, including an order that requires the custodial spouse to pay transportation costs to facilitate visitation rights.

What if your ex-spouse moves to another state, can the courts in that state change the custody or visitation order? That depends. If your ex-spouse is the custodial parent and remains in the new state for more than six months, then the courts may change custody or visitation orders. If your ex-spouse is not the custodial parent, then the courts in the state that he/she moves to have no power to change the custody or visitation orders. He or she will have to come back to the state where the custodial parent resides. If you have questions about child custody laws, contact a family law attorney near you.