Costa Mesa Move Away Lawyer

Costa Mesa Move Away Attorney

Child custody orders can be contentious and difficult to manage in Costa Mesa and throughout California. Disputes are especially likely to arise when a parent desires to move with their child. A Costa Mesa move-away lawyer can be a crucial asset to have on your side if you are confronted with such a situation. Your family law attorney can help you make a strong case on either side of this type of dispute.

Representing Families in Costa Mesa, CA, Move Away Disputes

Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP, has more than 40 years of combined experience representing clients in the California family courts. We know the challenges that can arise concerning child custody and relocation, and how to help our clients navigate these difficult situations efficiently. With our help, you can have a better chance of reaching the results you hope to see.

According to 2023 Census Data, about 10.5% of women and 7% of men in California have been divorced. Divorcing parents can face disputes in custody, and many unmarried parents throughout the state also have court orders pertaining to child custody and visitation. When these orders are created, each co-parent’s living arrangements are considered, and rules are made to address the possibility of future relocation of either parent.

Trust us to represent you in any courtroom hearings at the Costa Mesa Justice Complex. The Orange County Superior Court handles most family law disputes in the area, and entering the courtroom for such an emotionally stressful case will be much easier if you have an experienced attorney on your side.

Relocating With Your Child in Costa Mesa

If you are a custodial parent with a joint custody agreement, you must notify your co-parent if you intend to move. Your custody order will stipulate the timeframe in which you must notify them. If the move is relatively close, you can usually do this without their consent as long as it does not affect their custody or visitation rights. However, if you are moving a greater distance, their express written permission will likely be required.

When your co-parent contests such a move, this issue will likely need to be resolved in a family court hearing. You will need to explain to the court how your relocation would better suit your child’s interests. Custody and child support could be reconfigured to accommodate the move if it is approved. However, your co-parent will likely present arguments against it.

Contesting a Relocation in Costa Mesa

If your co-parent has informed you that they intend to move and take your child with them, you have the right to contest this relocation. A move away lawyer in Costa Mesa can help you prove that the relocation would either violate the child’s rights or would negatively impact the child’s safety, health, and overall well-being.

The court could deny the relocation, or it may be possible to pursue greater custody that would allow your child to remain in your care after your co-parent moves.

California family courts consider various factors when determining whether a relocation suits a child’s best interests. These factors include the child’s age, medical status, unique developmental needs, their current proximity to extended family, the distance of the move, and the reason why the custodial parent wishes to relocate.

Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP, can provide compassionate legal representation on either side of a move away dispute in Costa Mesa. Once you are confronted with this situation, reach out to our team at your first opportunity to learn how an experienced Costa Mesa move away lawyer can assist you.

FAQs About Costa Mesa, CA Move Away Laws

Can You Move Away With a Custody Order in California?

Yes, it is possible to move away with a custody order in California. However, most family court orders for child custody and visitation stipulate the rules for relocation. The relocating parent will need to notify the other parent within a specified timeframe. The distance of the move typically dictates how it will affect the custody order. In many of these cases, custody must be reconfigured to accommodate the relocation.

Can I Fight My Co-Parent’s Move Away Order?

Yes, it is possible to fight your co-parent’s move away order in family court. If your co-parent is attempting to take your child with them when they relocate, your Costa Mesa move away lawyer can help you contest their relocation. If you have a joint custody order, you will need to prove that the relocation would not suit your child’s best interests. If the relocating parent has sole custody, it is unlikely that the court will support your contest to the relocation.

How Far Can I Move With My Child Custody Order?

The distance you can move with your child custody order is usually stipulated in the order. For example, most child custody orders will dictate that any move greater than 50 miles requires express written agreement from your co-parent if you intend to take your child with you. If your move is a shorter distance and will not impact your co-parent’s custody or visitation schedule, the relocation is usually fine with sufficient notice to your co-parent.

Should I Hire a Lawyer for a Move Away Order Dispute in Costa Mesa?

It’s a good idea to hire a lawyer for a move away order dispute in Costa Mesa. These cases can be emotional and contentious, so it’s wise to have reliable legal counsel on your side so you can make better, more informed decisions about this situation. If you are relocating with a child, your attorney can help you prove this move would suit their interests, and if you are contesting a relocation, your attorney can assist you in making compelling arguments against the move.

What Is Parental Kidnapping?

Parental kidnapping happens when a parent takes their child somewhere in violation of their custody order. For example, a noncustodial parent may be prohibited from crossing state lines with their child or taking them out of the country without the custodial parent’s express written consent. Parental kidnapping can also be defined as a parent’s refusal to comply with court-ordered custody or visitation schedules.

A Costa Mesa move away lawyer can be an invaluable asset, whether you are planning to relocate with your child in California or if you must fight your co-parent’s relocation in family court. The attorneys at Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP, have the experience necessary to provide effective legal representation in the most challenging custody disputes, and we are confident we can help you reach a positive outcome. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.