This is the next post in a series of articles discussing child relocation requests when a parent is forced to move outside of Nevada to accept new employment. My previous post provided an overview of the topics to be discussed throughout the series. It also stressed the importance of contacting an experienced family law attorney to assist you with preparing your relocation request. If a resident who is subject to a custody order in Nevada is forced to move out of state for employment reasons, that resident must obtain the permission of the court before moving with the child. This article will discuss how the need to move quickly for immediate re-employment may impact this process. If you need assistance, contact my office to speak to a Las Vegas family lawyer.
I have previously written about the process Las Vegas parents must follow when seeking to move out of the state with a child. The same general elements will be important when immediate re-employment is the reason for the move. Regardless of the justification for doing so, moving without the court’s permission can lead to potentially severe consequences. It is important, therefore, to start the process as soon as possible when a move seems imminent. To begin, one must file a Motion Requesting Relocation. When time is of the essence, the requesting party can seek an expedited hearing requesting temporary permission to move immediately. If a temporary relocation order is granted, the court will schedule a full hearing at a later date to determine whether to issue a permanent order.
Given the potential impact that an out of state move may have on a child and their relationship with the other parent, the court takes relocation requests very seriously. Especially in expedited requests, the court will want to minimize the risk of multiple disruptions in the child’s life. A parent seeking to move quickly with the child must present as much information as possible at the preliminary hearing to demonstrate that relocation will be in the child’s best interest. The court will also be concerned about the impact on the other parent’s ability to maintain a meaningful relationship with the child after the move. To the extent available, the court will be interested in details about the new job or employment opportunity, living arrangements, school system and plans for visiting or staying in contact with the other parent. It may be particularly challenging for a parent to develop a complete relocation plan when they have little time to prepare for a move. That said, the more concrete information shared with the court, the better the chance of being granted a temporary relocation order.
Layoffs or economic changes can often require parents to seek employment outside of Nevada. My office understands the stress this can levy on families. I have significant experience in child custody and relocation matters and am ready to assist you through the process. Contact my office today to speak with a Las Vegas attorney.