What is Required to Get Approved to Relocate With My Child in Illinois?

Legal matters impacting children are among the most sensitive matters handled by the Illinois Family Courts. Decisions that are made during divorce, child custody, or other legal proceedings can impact the child’s well-being and the rights of their parents for years into the future. One of the biggest and most potentially serious issues that can arise concerns relocation. Our Skokie child custody attorneys explain your rights and what it takes to get approval to relocate with your children.

Relocation and Child Custody in the Skokie Area

Our Skokie child custody attorneys have decades of experience representing clients in legal matters through the Cook County Family Court. Child custody proceedings are required when getting a divorce in Illinois. Even if they are not in cases involving unmarried parents, we always encourage getting an official child custody order put in place.

This protects the best interests of both the child and their parents. Parenting plans are typically used, which address practical issues, such as visitation schedules and pick-up or drop-off arrangements. They also outline each parent’s rights and responsibilities. This includes your rights regarding child relocation.

Relocation is considered any type of move over a certain distance from where you currently live. You must petition the court and request permission for relocation prior to actually moving with your child. Failure to do so could result in the following:

  • Being held in contempt of court
  • Being accused of parental kidnapping
  • Loss or reduction of your parental rights

Requirements for Getting a Relocation Approved

Under the Illinois Statutes, the top priority for the court in child custody proceedings is to ensure the child’s best interests are protected. In general, frequent and ongoing contact with both parents is beneficial. Therefore, the court has strict requirements regarding relocations. You must seek prior approval and accepted reasons include:

  • To pursue job opportunities, such as if a move is required by your job or would help you better yourself in a career
  • To take advantage of better, more suitable, or more affordable housing opportunities
  • To be closer to other family members, such as parents or others who can provide support and assistance in raising your child
  • To help ensure safety or obtain a fresh start, such as in the aftermath of a divorce or when the other parent is engaging in behaviors that could put you or your child at risk

Discuss Your Case With Our Skokie Child Custody Lawyers

Not getting prior approval before relocations can have serious impacts on your rights as a parent and may even cause you to be held in contempt of court. If you are considering making any kind of move, reach out to our Skokie child custody lawyers at Gordon & Perlut, LLC.

We can advise you on the legal options available and assist you in obtaining court orders and other important documents. To discuss the exact circumstances surrounding your case, call 847-329-0101 or contact our office here today and request a confidential, one-on-one consultation.