When parents are separated, they face limitations and restrictions that parents who are still together may not face. Separated parents generally need to ensure availability for their established parenting schedule and the corresponding responsibilities.
One restriction separated parents face is the required approval from the other parent for certain matters that involve their children. One such example involves relocation. If a parent involved in a custody matter in Pennsylvania wishes to relocate their residence, that parent may need the other parent’s consent or the Court’s approval.
Minor relocations
Relocations can be drastic. A parent living in Pennsylvania may get a job offer that will relocate them to the West coast or perhaps the state of Texas. Such a move would obviously affect the current custody schedule for the children. Relocations within the state of Pennsylvania, however, may not necessarily affect the current custody schedule.
If one parent simply wants to move to the other end of town, such a scenario may not require pre-approval from the other parent or the Court depending on the impact, if any, to the custody schedule.
Major relocations
Relocations involving greater distances generally require pre-approval. The parent proposing the relocation needs to provide both the other parent and the Court with advanced notice at least 60 days before the potential move. The notice must include certain information regarding the location and the reason for the relocation. If the other parent opposes the move, then the issue will likely need to be decided by the Court. The judge hearing a relocation case will always take the proposed move and the reasons behind the move into consideration when determining the best interests of the children.
