If you have custody of the children in the midst of a divorce you cannot just pick up and move with the children if that is your preference. In fact, under California law, the court must be consulted if a relocation request will have an impact on a co-parent's custody and visitation rights. Essentially, if the move will impact one parent's time with the child, then the court needs to evaluate the move. The family court will need to alter the child custody arrangement to factor in the distance that is between the child and one parent.
When deciding whether or not to modify a child custody arrangement, the court will calculate their decision based on a variety of factors including the distance of the move, the parent's relationship with the child, the child's interest in continuing under the current arrangement, the age of the child, the child's preference if the child is of sufficient age and to present an opinion, and the viability of the current arrangement. For example a short move may have a minimal impact on the child's custody arrangement but a larger move may require an entirely new custody arrangement.
If you are currently dealing with a child relocation issue, then you need to hire an attorney to help you with this situation. Don't hesitate to ask a Los Angeles divorce lawyer at Claery & Hammond to represent you whether you are petitioning for relocation or the other parent who is fighting to keep the original custody arrangement. Don't hesitate to hire an attorney at the firm today for all of your family law needs, including child relocation. Sometimes you need a creative and experienced attorney to help you work through these tactics. With the right attorney on your side, you can negotiate and come to a satisfactory solution!