Relocation questions deserve thoughtful planning
Jobs change, new support systems emerge, and sometimes a fresh start is best for a child. We help parents in Placerville, Sacramento, and Amador County navigate “move-away” requests—either seeking permission to relocate or opposing a move that would disrupt a child’s life.
The big picture: what courts consider
California courts focus on a child’s best interests. The legal standard can shift based on your existing custody order, but judges often look at:
- The distance of the proposed move and travel feasibility
- The reason for the move (work, family support, housing stability)
- The child’s ties to school, friends, and community in El Dorado County
- Each parent’s history of co-parenting and facilitating contact
- The child’s age, needs, and—when mature—their preference
- Whether a realistic, meaningful parenting schedule can be preserved
If you’re requesting to move
We’ll help you present a concrete plan: housing details, school enrollment, childcare, extended family support, and specific proposals to maintain frequent contact with the other parent (long weekends, holidays, video calls, summer blocks). Judges want specifics, not general hopes.
If you’re opposing a move
We focus on stability—school performance, special programs, medical providers, extracurriculars on the South Fork or around Historic Main Street, and the role you play day-to-day. We also propose balanced alternatives that protect your relationship if the move is allowed (e.g., expanded holiday/summer time and transportation cost sharing).
Step-by-step process
- Review your current orders (legal/physical custody, travel clauses).
- File a formal request (or opposition) with supporting declarations and exhibits.
- Attend mediation to explore settlement.
- Prepare for hearing—testimony, witnesses, school/medical records, and travel logistics.
- Present a child-focused plan the court can implement immediately.
Temporary moves and emergencies
Don’t relocate first and ask later. Moving a child without permission can backfire. If there’s an urgent issue (safety, sudden job transfer), talk to us about whether emergency or temporary orders make sense.
Practical tips for foothill families
- Build transportation plans that respect Highway 50 traffic and winter conditions.
- Keep a shared calendar for calls, exchanges, and travel windows.
- Explore hybrid schedules when the new location is within a few hours (e.g., every other weekend plus mid-week video calls).
FAQs
Can I move within the same county without permission?
It depends on your orders and the impact on parenting time. If it disrupts the schedule, seek agreement or a court order.
Will child support change if a move is approved?
Possibly. Time-share and income affect support; a move may warrant recalculation.
How long do move-away cases take?
Timelines vary. Early mediation and thorough preparation can speed resolution.
