This is the next post in my series on how economic downturns and recessions can impact Las Vegas child custody cases. My last article provided an overview of topics which this series will be addressing. It also stressed the need to contact a family law attorney as soon as possible if your financial situation has created a change in your circumstances. Contacting counsel sooner, rather than later, is important if you wish to convince the Court that your financial situation is truly a pressing matter. In this article I will discuss how a change in economic circumstances can impact child relocation cases. If you or a loved one are in need of assistance then contact my office today to speak with a lawyer.
The Court will not grant a relocation request unless it is in the best interests of the child. When considering whether one’s son or daughter should move, the Court will consider, among other things: the reason for the relocation request, how the move will benefit and impact the child, the need for the child to maintain a relationship with any siblings, etc. The Judge will view these types of factors from a concern of what is best for the child. The Court will not be concerned with what is best for the parent. This means, for example, that if a parent is moving for a new job after having been laid off in Las Vegas, the Court will scrutinize the request for a move. If the parent is requesting permission to move because there is no job to be had, in their field in the area, then the request will be seen as more legitimate. If, however, a parent is claiming that they lost the job and need to move out of necessity, but they made no effort to find work in Las Vegas, then the Court is likely to be more cynical. How the Court will rule, in any given situation, will always depend on the specific facts of the case.
The aforementioned principles are best explained by way of example. Suppose a parent has a “white collar” job and is laid off during an economic downturn. Now suppose that the parent makes no effort to find work locally, but cites a job offer in a relocation request. Such a request would likely be met with cynicism by a Clark County Family Court Judge. Now suppose, however, that there are local jobs available to the parent but they will be able to earn substantially more money elsewhere. This extra money could be used to prepare for the growing costs of college, etc. Under this scenario, the Court would likely be more receptive to the request but would also consider things such as the educational opportunities available to the child in each city, how the move would impact the child’s social life, etc. The Court would also be concerned with the feasibility of long-distance visitation. Given that no two situations are the same, it is best to discuss your case with a family law attorney for an opinion of how a Judge may rule.
If you are involved in a case where your son or daughter may be moving out of state then contact my office today to speak with a Las Vegas child relocation lawyer. I devote my practice to the handling of domestic relations law and I am experienced in the handling of move away cases. I recognize the serious nature of such matters and my office will give your case the attention it deserves. Contact us today.
