This is the next post in our series on the handling of cases in which a Little Rock, Arkansas parent wishes to move their child out of state. Our last post provided an overview of topics which this series will be addressing. It also stressed the need to speak with an attorney as soon as possible if your are considering filing for relocation. In this article we will discuss the factors which a Court will generally consider when deciding whether or not a parent should be allowed to move with a child. Understanding these factors is important to understanding whether or not you have a case. If you are in need of assistance then contact our office today to speak with a lawyer.
Our state’s judges will only allow a relocation to take place if such a move would be in the best interests of the child. The desires of the parent, who is requesting the move, will largely be irrelevant. When considering what is in a child’s best interests, the Court will consider factors such as:
- The extent to which the move will improve the child’s quality of life
- The reason for which the move is being requested
- Whether the requesting parent has, and can be expected to, comply with visitation orders
- Whether the opposing parent has a good faith basis for their opposition
- Whether or not long-distance visitation is feasible
When bringing a request before the Court, it is important that the requesting parent provide as much specific information as possible. Typically, the Court will be more likely to grant the request if the moving parent can show that they have employment, the general area that they will be living in, and other specific information. The more generalized the request is (meaning a lack of specifics) then the more likely the Judge is to deny the move.
If you are a parent who wishes to move your child out of state, then it is important to retain an attorney in order to ensure that the facts of your case are properly presented to the Court. By presenting your matter in a clear and concise fashion, and by making the correct legal arguments, you improve your chances of the request being granted. Our Little Rock child relocation attorneys strive to provide the highest level of representation to each and every client we serve. Our firm is honored to serve the community and we take this responsibility seriously. Contact us today. We also handle matters in Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Springdale, Jonesboro, North Little Rock, Conway, Rogers, Pine Bluff and throughout the rest of Arkansas.