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How to handle one parent moving after divorce

On Behalf of | Dec 12, 2016 | Child Custody |

For Orange County parents who are ending their marriage, their conflict may not end after their divorce. Co-parenting can lead to a number of new issues including problems around where each parent lives. One may decide to move to be closer to a new partner, but this may mean a number of changes for parents and children.

Supporting the children should be parents’ main motivation in this situation like this. The parent who does not move can fight the other parent and ostensibly win, but in the end, it is the children who lose out. Parents may want to turn to mediation to try to reach a solution that works for everyone.

This may require some sacrifice and extra effort on the part of one or both parents. For example, the custodial parent who has moved may need to help the child integrate into the new community. The bulk of transportation duties might fall on one parent or the other. Expenses may alter child support payments. A child might even decide to go and live with the other parent, and this could mean a parent beginning to pay child support who did not previously. Parents should strive to keep their focus on the best interests of the child.

During the divorce, parents might also want to think about how they will handle situations such as one parent having a new partner or what they will do if one parent wants to move. Some of this can be included in the parenting agreement. Parents can also work with a mediator during the divorce if they are struggling to resolve some issues. Ultimately, if they are unable to come to an agreement, a judge can make decisions about child custody, but parents may not be as satisfied with those solutions as the ones they might be able to reach through negotiation with the assistance of their respective lawyers.