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During the course of an AZ divorce, many issues will need to be addressed. For spouses who share young children, the process of ending a marriage will entail even more items of negotiation. Child custody and the manner in which parenting time is to be divided takes center stage within many divorces, and rightfully so. Parents who are involved within the lives of their children wish to continue their established roles, even after their marriage ends in divorce.
One of the most difficult topics divorcing parents will face involves a scenario in which the custodial parent wishes to relocate to another area. In such cases, both parents have to weigh the pros and cons of various options, all while keeping their own emotions at bay and placing the best interests of their children at the center of their focus. Often, these matters come before a judge after parents are unable to reach an agreement on their own.
Family courts look at a wide range of factors when making decisions regarding parental relocation. If the non-custodial parent wants to fight the move, he or she must be able to prove that the separation would cause harm to their parent/child bond, and that any benefits gained by the move would be overshadowed by the damage that separation would bring. For the relocating parent, a compelling argument must be made that the benefits of the move are in the best interests of the children, and that and negative impact would be minimal.
These cases can quickly become complex, and are often extremely contentious. However, the parenting time decision that is ultimately reached will permanently shape the remainder of a child’s life, and is of the utmost importance. Parents in AZ must be prepared to present a comprehensive argument before a judge if a favorable outcome is to be reached.
Source: Huffington Post, 6 Things to Expect and Consider When Relocating with Children After Divorce, Andrea Moore, Dec. 18, 2013
