Relocation & Child Custody

Relocation cases arise where one parent wishes to relocate to a different city or country with the children and that move is opposed by the other parent.

The parent promoting the relocation will need to satisfy the Court that the proposed move will be in the best interests of the children, particularly if existing care arrangements with the other parent will need to be significantly changed as a result of the proposed move.

Each case will be unique and its own particular facts will determine the outcome.

Some of the factors that the Court will consider in determining these applications are:

• Extended family situation;
• Historical choices of residence;
• Each parent’s relationship with the children;
• Children’s needs;
• Distance of proposed move.

In our experience, relocation cases are invariably difficult and distressing for the parents involved. They are often described as "intractable" because there is usually no potential for compromise and the consequences of a relocation can be significant for one of the parents and/or the children. Michael Robinson has had extensive experience in dealing with applications for parents to relocate (both within New Zealand or internationally) over many years.

Explore more in this section:

• Adoption
• Applications under the Protection of Personal Property Rights Act
• Child Custody - Care of Children & Parenting Orders
• Child Custody - Relocation
• Child Support
• Divorce (Dissolution of Marriage)
• Domestic Violence
• Estate Litigation – Family Protection – Testamentary Promises
• Guardianship
• Relationship Property
• Paternity
• Spousal Maintenance

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