The divorce was finalized last year. You have finally adjusted to a custody and parenting schedule that works well for both you and your former spouse. Most importantly, it seems to work well for your children. Yet suddenly, your former spouse e-mails you and tells you she wants to move back home and out of Washington. This is the last thing you expected and there is no chance of you getting a new job anytime soon. What do you do now?
Contention over custody and relocation issues is an understandably stressful and emotional issue for divorced parents. Especially if you are the one contesting the relocation. The good news is that family laws in Washington do provide for you to contest such a big change for you and your children. A skilled divorce lawyer who has extensive knowledge with Washington child relocation statutes and laws can help you file such an objection.
Filing an Objection to Relocation In Washington
The mandatory form for this can be found under WPF DRPSCU 07.0700. This is the official Washington State Court System’s form to object to an intended relocation. You have 30 days to properly file this petition and serve all required parties. This could be more than just your former spouse.
Information in this form includes names of all dependents, the party seeking the relocation, reasons for your objections as well as examples of how the relocation would be disrupting and detrimental to the child’s well-being. The form also requires information about any prior agreements you have made with your former spouse.
The specific details and requirements of this objection form must be handled correctly. Otherwise, a mistake could lead to further complications in your child relocation case. That is why it is imperative that you discuss your specific child relocation objection issue with a knowledgeable lawyer.