This is the first post in a series of articles discussing child relocation requests when a parent is forced to move outside of the area to accept new employment. Many Las Vegas residents are faced with difficult choices if their employment is terminated quickly as a result of changes in the economy, layoffs, or seasonal shifts in demand for labor. Some unemployed parents are forced to accept alternative work outside of Nevada. For parents who share custody of a child governed by a custody agreement, relocating out of state with a child will require the permission of the Clark County Family Court. The combination of an employment related financial hardship, the stress of a move, and a custody dispute can be overwhelming. The goal of this series is to provide an overview of this process in the context of urgent, employment-driven relocation requests. If you need assistance, contact my office today to speak with an attorney.
This series will address the following issues:
- Requesting permission to relocate out of state when new employment starts immediately
- Preparing a relocation plan when the request is due to immediate re-employment
- Defending against a request to move the child out of state
- Requesting permission to move based on non-immediate employment reasons
Relocation requests are among the most contentious issues in child custody law. Unfortunately, there are times when employment decisions must be made quickly and require tough decisions by parents, adding additional stress to the process. It is important for parents considering relocation for employment reasons to understand these issues for a variety of reasons. First, Clark County judges consider certain factors when reviewing any relocation request. Understanding what may be important to a judge when the request relates to immediate employment opportunities will help the requesting party prepare their case. Second, preparation is an essential element in any case discussing a possible move with a child. The more developed one’s plan, the better the chances of success. This may be particularly challenging when attempting moving quickly. Third, it is entirely possible to defend against a co-parent’s request for relocation. Engaging a knowledgeable custody attorney can help a parent effectively challenge a relocation request. Finally, if a relocation request is based on pursuing a job opportunity, but the need is not immediate, the parent’s relocation plan and court filings may be different. It is important to understand what information will be meaningful for the judge’s decision.
My firm understands when unemployment and layoffs impact Las Vegas families. I have experience in a variety of child custody issues, including relocation requests. If you need assistance, contact my office to speak to schedule a consultation with an attorney.
