Three Difficult Issues You May Face When Considering Child Relocation During a Divorce in Wheaton, IL

 Posted on December 28, 2022 in Child Custody

In Illinois, it is important for parents to work together to find a solution that is in the best interests of each child. If one parent wants to move but parents are unable to come to an agreement, the court may need to make a decision about a child's relocation. It is important to work with an experienced attorney who can help navigate these difficult issues and advocate for your preferences for your family’s arrangements.

Determining the Best Interests of the Child

One difficult issue with child relocation after divorce is determining what is in the best interests of the child. When a parent wants to relocate with a child, the court will consider several factors to make this determination. These factors may include the child's physical, emotional, and psychological well-being, as well as the child's relationships with their parents, siblings, and other family members, the distance of the move, and the child's educational and social opportunities at the new location. Any history of abuse or neglect by either parent will also be considered in the decision.

Impact on the Child's Relationship with the Other Parent

Another difficult issue is the impact of the move on the child's relationship with the other parent. If one parent moves away with the child, it can be difficult for the non-custodial parent to maintain a meaningful relationship with the child. This can lead to feelings of resentment and bitterness, which can further complicate the already difficult process of divorce. Judges can consider this potential impact and deny a relocation based on these grounds. 

Financial Impact of the Move

A third difficult issue is the financial impact of the move. Relocating with a child can be expensive, and parents may need to consider the costs of moving, finding a new home, and potentially finding a new job, plus the cost of moving the child between homes for changes in parenting time. This can be particularly challenging if one parent is already struggling financially due to the divorce. Judges may also deny a relocation that would put a parent at a significant financial disadvantage when trying to maintain a close relationship with their child. 

Contact a Wheaton, IL Child Relocation Divorce Lawyer

If you are involved in a divorce in Wheaton, IL, and you are concerned about the relocation of your child, please contact the experienced DuPage County family law attorneys at the Andrew Cores Family Law Group. We can help you protect your child’s best interests and navigate you through the process. Call us at 630-871-1002 for a free consultation.

Source: 

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/075000050K609.2.htm