Since your Washington divorce, you may have struggled to make ends meet in a location that was only affordable with two incomes. While your current job and prospects in the area limit you, there are opportunities in other states that would greatly improve the quality of life for you and your child. However, as the Huffington Post notes, child custody can seriously complicate relocation, especially if the other parent objects.
Some parents are willing to discuss and negotiate a new parenting plan schedule, but perhaps your ex feels that the judge may be more likely to award him or her sole custody rather than relocate the child.
One of the key factors a judge weighs is whether it is in your child’s best interest to move away from the other parent. Your child’s well-being comes first, and you will have to show that the move will not negatively impact your child and his or her relationship with the other parent, or that at least, the impact will be minimal. The other parent, of course, will be trying to prove that your child would be better off staying here with him or her.
Keep in mind, as well, that even if your child lives primarily with you after the move, he or she is likely to be spending longer periods of time away from you. For example, your spouse may have several weeks in a row during the summer instead of alternating weeks. This general information is provided to give you an idea of what you may encounter, but it should not be interpreted as legal advice.