Steps For Relocating After Divorce

Moving On

Many people end up relocating after divorce. The magnitude of change divorce brings can lead to new jobs, new homes, and new support networks. Finding a new place to live after divorce should be about what is best for you, but you also have to keep in mind what is best for your child. Relocating to a new place can certainly help you move on emotionally, but there are a few things you should keep in mind.

Relocating & Parental Rights

If you have a child, you may face some challenges when relocating after divorce. You cannot relocate if it would violate your ex’s parental rights. You may need to get your ex’s permission to relocate. If you cannot get permission, you will need to ask the judge. You will also need to negotiate a parenting time schedule that accommodates your new location.

This is true even if you are the non-custodial parent. Having children makes it harder to relocate after a divorce, but it isn’t impossible. Remember, your child needs stability, and many children can cope well with divorce if both parents remain involved in their lives. Relocating to a different city or state can make this difficult, so it is in your best interests, as well as your child’s, to work with your spouse to find an arrangement that works best for your family.

Planning Together

You may fare a better chance of a smooth relocation if you negotiate an agreement with your spouse rather than taking the matter to court. Work with an experienced Massachusetts divorce mediator who can help you and your spouse reach an agreement on parenting time. This can help ensure you can relocate without complications. When parents relocate after divorce, they may need to modify the parenting time schedule to accommodate the new location. If your relocation will take you far from the other parent, you have to consider how you can facilitate parenting time after the move. Will your child need to fly alone? Can you feasibly drive your child to the other parent’s house? How will you split your child’s time? These kinds of questions can be answered in mediation. Relocating can be a natural step after divorce, and working with your spouse to reach agreement on this very important issue can ensure the move is a pleasant one.

Do you need to file for divorce in Massachusetts?

Mediation Advantage Services is here to help. Law Office of Polly Tatum is highly experienced in Massachusetts family law and can help you plan for a relocation after divorce. Based in historic Worcester with a satellite office in Northboro, MA, our firm serves all cities and towns throughout Massachusetts and Worcester County including, Auburn, Paxton, Leicester, Sutton, Grafton, Shrewsbury, Westboro, Northboro, Southboro, Holden, Sterling, Princeton, Worcester, Charlton, Millbury, Dudley, Spencer, Brookfield, Sudbury, Natick, Framingham, Hopkinton, Milford, Blackstone, Leominster, Fitchburg, Acton, Jefferson, Barre, Oakham, Cambridge, Newton, Marlboro, Lancaster, Bolton, and Hudson. Call our office at (508) 795-1557(508) 795-1557, fill out our online form, or email us at info@mediationadvantage.com today to schedule your Complimentary Mediation Success Planning Session. You can also sign up for our eNewsletter or download our free e-book for more information regarding divorce in Massachusetts.