Child custody will always be a complex and difficult matter when it comes to divorce. There are a lot of emotional elements and logistical factors that need to get sorted out so that the child’s best interests are fulfilled. Even when both parents are on the same page for custody, there is still plenty to work out.
Some parents may think that once they are out of court, the complications inherent to the child custody process are gone — but that isn’t necessarily true. You have to be prepared for the post-custody arrangement scenarios that could arise, and you need to be ready for the responsibility of fulfilling those obligations.
Today, let’s highlight one of these scenarios: moving to a new state.
Let’s say that sometime after your divorce is complete and your custody arrangement is in place, you get a job offer in a different state. It’s an opportunity you can’t pass up. Not only will it benefit you and your career, but it will allow you to better provide for your child. So you accept the job offer.
But what about your child custody arrangement? How does that get sorted out? Well, you will have to modify the arrangement. Most states have the Uniform Child Custody and Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act on the books, which sets standards for how interstate custody arrangements. Every case is going to have its unique characteristics, though, and not every state follows the same laws, so be sure to have an experienced attorney by your side when you are working out interstate custody.
Source: FindLaw, “Interstate Custody Arrangement,” Accessed Aug. 28, 2015
