Shared custody arrangements can be a stressful complication during and after a Maryland divorce. All too often, spouses may find themselves disagreeing over what is best for the children or who should be present with them on certain days. Typically, families eventually resolve their disagreements and establish a parenting arrangement in accordance with the custody order approved by the courts. Both parents see the children regularly and have a say in major decisions about their lives.
Unfortunately, the decisions made by one parent can affect the other and the children. For example, someone trying to move on with their life after a divorce might accept a job in Connecticut or want to move back home with their family across the state.
Can parents subject to a Maryland custody order relocate?
Moves require authorization
Maintaining a consistent residence is an important component of providing a child with a stable lifestyle. Adjusting to a new home can be incredibly stressful for children, especially on the heels of a disruptive parental divorce. The move to a new home could cut them off from their social connections at school or in their neighborhood.
Additionally, the proximity of the two parental homes is of the utmost importance for facilitating regular custody exchanges. If either parent moves a significant distance away from the other or leaves the state, their relocation can have major implications on their custody arrangements.
The law in Maryland limits parental relocations. Adults typically need to provide each other and the courts with at least 90 days advance notice before a move occurs. In some cases, one parent may grant the other permission to relocate.
If the other parent opposes the move, then the matter may require the review of a family law judge. Judges consider what might be in the best interests of the children and how the relocation might affect current custody arrangements.
They can theoretically permit or decline a move based on their interpretation of family circumstances. They can also modify the current custody arrangements to reflect the change in living circumstances.
Relocations can cause a lot of stress for the children and can make shared custody more challenging. Understanding how Maryland handles move-away scenarios can be beneficial for those hoping to move and those worried about a proposed move.
