RELOCATION OF A CUSTODIAL PARENT

This is a very tough issue for everyone involved: the children; the non-custodial parent; and, the custodial parent. Arkansas has modified its laws regarding relocation, like many states, following a United States Supreme Case that linked the constitutional right of free travel to a custodial parent’s relocation. See Troxel v. Granville, 530 U.S. 57 (2000). Prior to this decision the burden was on the party seeking to relocate with the minor children to an area wherein the current visitation could not be accommodated. Post Troxel, the burden shifted. See Stills vs. Stills to see where we are now. Quite a change in the law.   We have so many people offering to put in the paperwork that they promise not to relocate outside the Court’s jurisdiction if they have custody. If you really read that link to Stills you would know the lack of value of that promise.   There are certain ways to discourage a relocation. Call Canova Law Firm & Mediation Services to see what ideas we have about that issue.