What to notice when non custodial parent moving out of state? When custodial and non-custodial parents choose to move, it can have a significant impact on the lives of their children and all parties involved. When discussing a potential parental relocation with an attorney or as part of proceedings in family court, it is important to understand that any relocation decision can be complex.
If you are considering an interstate move while being a non-custodial parent, there are certain steps that must be taken in advance of executing your plans.
In this blog post, we will discuss the process for non custodial parent moving out of state and what should be taken into consideration.
What Happens When the Non Custodial Parent Moving Out of State?

Before going to non custodial parent moving out of state facts, check out what happens when visiting parent moves.
More often than not, the non-custodial parent desires to have a domicile restriction established or enforced in order to guarantee they stay connected with their child and remain an essential part of their life.
If the custodial parent is opposed to any restrictions on their parenting, it usually suggests they want more free time to spend with a new romantic partner, pursue work opportunities, or be near extended family.
Ultimately though, the court will take into account both parents’ wishes and reasoning in order to ascertain what is best for all involved – especially the children.
When a non-custodial parent relocates, it can be confusing. Fortunately, in the majority of cases, two things will happen: The established order or decree related to your children must be followed and some additional steps may need to occur as well.
- The current domicile regulation will remain unchanged and any relocation is prohibited.
- Should the non-custodial parent choose to relocate away from their current place of residence, this would grant the custodial parent unlimited freedom in selecting a new home.

When crafting a well-thought out decree or order, it is recommended to include the second option. This will help mitigate any difficulties linked with the relocating of the non-custodial parent.
When the divorce decree provides no guidance on a given issue, it is imperative to create an agreement (preferably via updated Court Order) or attend a hearing in order to gain permission for relocation.
Sadly, filing for and obtaining a court hearing to gain approval to move can be costly and laborious. Typically speaking, the custodial parent is usually permitted to relocate if that was done first by the non-custodial parent; however, specific regulations may still apply.
For instance, let’s say the child’s non-custodial parent moved 50 miles away – in this case it could be prohibited for the custodian adult to transport their family 1,000 miles away from there.
Non Custodial Parent Moving Out of State and Want to Bring His/Her Child Along, Is It Possible?

If the non-custodial parent moving out of state with their child, they must first seek custody by filing a petition with the court and gain legal permission for relocation. Remember to check the rights of non custodial parents carefully.
To successfully request a modification of a custody order and transfer it to the non-custodial parent, that party must demonstrate their fitness for child rearing above the current custodian.
Upon the court’s granting of custody to the non-custodial parent, they may then petition for permission to relocate. The custodial parent must explain their rationale behind moving with genuine sincerity and good faith; elements that will be taken into consideration include:
- The parent’s motivations for moving
- The immobile parent’s arguments against the move
- The relationship between the child and each parent
- How the transfer will improve the child’s life educationally, emotionally, and financially; and the viability of future visiting agreements with the non-custodial parent.
When Can a Non-Custodial Parent be Granted An Emergency Custody?

In the most dire of circumstance when it comes to what happens when the non custodial parent moves away, a family court may grant you emergency custody if they deem that your child is at risk with the custodial parent. When a visitation parent applies for emergency custody it is typically due to when the custodial parent:
- A history of abuse
- Has substance addiction or mental health concerns that threaten your child’s safety has committed a crime
- Court-ordered visitation was disobeyed.
- Has deserted the child
- Committed parental alienation
In the event of an emergency, a court may grant you temporary custody until it is able to investigate and assess the custodial parent’s behavior. After due consideration, you may be awarded sole legal guardianship in order to provide care for your child.
Next, it’s the final part of this blog.
What Do Judge Say about Non Custodial Parent Moving Out of State?
When non custodial parent moving out of state, a judge may decide that the relocation is in the best interest of your child if you can demonstrate a higher quality of life for them in its new location. Judges heavily consider each family’s situation and often seek to both protect the non-custodial parent’s rights as wells as the best interest of their child.
In a non custodial parent moving out of state case, the judge will take into account factors such as:
- The non-custodial parent’s relationship with their child prior to the move
- The non-custodial parent’s commitment to continuing contact and visitation with their child
- The non-custodial parent’s ability to provide better opportunities in their new home
Any issues that may arise from the non-custodial parent moving out of state and taking the child with them. Ultimately, when non custodial parent moving out of state, courts strive to maintain a consistent relationship between both parents and the child. It is essential to demonstrate that you will be able to continue to provide your child with love, support and stability despite being non custodial parent moving out of state.
Conclusion
Relocation of non-custodial parents is a complex matter and must be handled with caution. It is important that non-custodial parents understand their legal rights and responsibilities before they relocate to another state or far away from the children. That’s all for non custodial parent moving out of state.
When relocation involves the best interest of the child, it is essential to obtain court approval prior to making any changes. Understanding the legal implications of non-custodial parent relocation is essential in order to ensure a smooth transition and protect everyone involved.
FAQs of Non Custodial Parent Moving Out of State
In the case of joint custody, how far is a parent legally allowed to relocate?
If you are sharing custody of your child or children, then their living arrangements must abide by the geographic limitations set out by the court. If you wish to move beyond those restrictions, it is imperative that you obtain permission from the court first.
Is a non-custodial parent legally allowed to relocate out of state without notifying the other custodial party?
Texas-based non-custodial parents are legally permitted to relocate outside of the assigned geographic area, although their children cannot join them. As a result, any changes to the visitation schedule should be expected when this occurs.
Are there any legal requirements I must meet before moving out of state with my child in North Carolina without the father’s permission?
As the primary parent, you should not need to request permission when making decisions for your child. However, North Carolina does require an agreement between both parents or court approval in order to move a minor out of state or far away from home.
Consequently, it is important that all legal requirements are met before any long-distance relocation takes place for the protection and best interest of everyone involved.
Can a separated parent move away?
In the eyes of the court, if both parents agree to their children moving away, it’s a rather straightforward process. Even so, we highly recommend creating legally binding documents in case either parent decides to rescind consent down the line. By doing this you can prevent any disputes or misunderstandings later on.
Can non custodial parent move out of state?
In short, non custodial parent can move out of state if it is in the best interest of their child and both parents give consent. If only one parent is willing to grant permission for the non custodial parent to move out of state, then a court order may be necessary.
Can non custodial parent move out of state and bring their kids along?
The non custodial parent must obtain permission from the court before relocating with their child. The courts will consider multiple factors such as the impact of moving on the child, both parents’ ability to continue providing support and stability, and any other relevant information. Ultimately, the non custodial parent must prove that it is in the best interest of the child to move out of state with them.
Why should I know non custodial parent moving out of state?
It is important for non custodial parent to understand their legal rights and responsibilities before moving out of state. Moving far away from the children can be difficult for all involved, so non custodial parents must take into account any potential negative impacts on the child as well as both parent’s ability to provide care, logevity and stability. Additionally, non custodial parents should be aware of any permission or court order that is required before relocating.