Washington State Family Law on Relocation of Children

Relocation out of state has become very common in the ever-changing socio-economic conditions of our world. Relocation becomes a legal action when a custodial parent wishes to relocate a child away, and the non-custodial parent objects. Washington State Family Law strictly requires that any custodial parent must provide notice to the non-custodial parent about the move prior to actually moving. Usually, the notice must specify the date and place of relocation. This notification also provides the other parent with a chance to answer and prevent the relocation if the move is not in the child's best interest.



Generally, Washington State Family Law on relocation is entangled with other complex issues. Although the custodial parent has the 'Presumptive Right' to change the child's residence, it is really only that parent's right as an adult to move him or herself. The right to move a child depends upon what is in that child's best interest, and a court will block a move if the evidence shows that the move is not in the child's best interest. If the child has a relationship with the non-residential parent that is very involved in that child's life, and moving the child would cause resulting harm, the court might block the move. The custodial parent should try to prove to the court that the proposed move-away shall not hamper the child's interest with regard to stability and continuity in the custodial arrangement.



However, the moving parent need not prove that the move is necessary under Washington State Family Law. In fact, the non-custodial parent has the initial burden of proving that the proposed relocation of the child's home would cause harm to the child, and that an investigation of the child's best interests is needed. Given these complex and critical rules under Washington State Family Law, many parents (moving and non-moving) seek the professional services of a qualified family lawyer.



At McKinley Irvin, an established family law firm, we offer a panel of qualified and renowned Washington State Family Law attorneys with extensive experience in relocation cases. With scores of relocation actions under our belts, McKinley Irvin lawyers are uniquely qualified to provide counsel on proceeding with relocation or blocking relocation. The attorneys at McKinley Irvin are further experienced in all areas of Washington State Family Law, giving our clients a strong foundation for relocation actions.

McKinley Irvin Washington State family law attorneys offer full relocation services, residential schedule modification, and defense strategies for relocation actions. They have tested strategies based on the factors the court will consider under Washington State family law. If you anticipate being on either side of a relocation action, contact our Washington State family law attorneys today. You'll be glad you did.