Thinking of moving out of state with child after divorce?

Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates

When there are children involved in a divorce proceeding, it is encumbent upon the parents to foster and encourage a positive relationship with the other parent regardless of how contentious the divorce may have been. The divorce results in a realignment of the family unit which can be followed by further changes that were never even contemplated during the divorce.

One such change is that one of the parents may have an opportunity to move beyond the 100 mile restriction that is contained in all divorce judgments. Common reasons for such a move is to be closer to other extended family that can help raise the children or for a new job opportunity. Either way, the parent requesting the change in domicile must either obtain the agreement and consent of the other parent or if there is no agreement, the parent requesting the move must prove that the legal residence change has the capacity to improve the quality of life for both the child and the relocating parent, that the move is not an effort to deprive the other parent access to the child(ren), that it is possible to fashion a schedule that continues to foster a relationship with the other parent, that the moving parent is not trying to secure a financial advantage over the other parent to reduce a child supportobligation and consider whether there is any history of domestic violence.

In McKimmy v. Melling, a recent case decided by the Michigan Court of Appeals, the trial court was found to have misapplied the third factor by simply concluding that the proposed parenting time schedule was not the best plan; but this decision was reversed and sent back to the lower court so that it could deterimine whether the parenting time schedule proposed by plaintiff provided “a realistic opportunity” or “an adequate basis,” to preserve and foster the relationship the non-moving parent had with the children.

So, if you are considering a move out of statewith your children following divorce, you should consult an experienced Michigan divorce lawyer to consider whether you believe you can prove the above factors can be satisfied in your case.

Client Reviews

Thanks so much for all your help these past five years in helping me with all the legal aspects of my folks, L & E.M's, trust. Thanks for answering all my questions. It's been a difficult last 5 years on making decisions for my father, but I'm so grateful that god blessed me with them for so many...

D.C.

I want to thank you both for all your help and hard work on my case. This certainly was good news! You both did tremendous jobs dealing with Cigna and answering my questions. Thank you and have a wonderful Christmas season!

Marc

Thank you so much for all of your help getting me thru this mess. You have no idea how much you have helped. I couldn’t have done this without you! Only one more hurdle, yay!!

B.T.

I really wanted to thank you, the way you talked with me and worked with me, it was amazing. I was dreading the experience & the deposition & you really made it very easy for me. So, thank you very much for a job well done.

H.H.

Contact Us

  1. 1 Free Consultation
  2. 2 No Fee Guarantee (for Contingent Fee Work)
  3. 3 Let Us Answer Your Questions
Fill out the contact form or call us at (866) 529-3537 to schedule your free consultation.

Leave Us a Message