Wheaton Child Relocation Lawyer

Wheaton Child Relocation Attorney

Choosing to move with a child creates a lot of stress for everyone involved, but sometimes it’s necessary. Whether you’re a parent wanting to relocate your child or wanting to protest an intent to relocate, you could benefit from the help of a Wheaton child relocation lawyer.

Schaffer Family Law, Ltd., is dedicated to helping parents like you navigate difficult relocation cases. From small inter-county moves to international relocations, each situation is different and requires a personal approach. That’s what you’ll get from attorney David N. Schaffer.

Illinois Child Relocation Laws

With 20.7% of Illinois households being single-parent households, there are many single parents who may be facing relocation. Whatever your position in the case, understanding the relevant laws helps you find a path forward.

In all relocation cases, the parent intending to relocate must provide the other parent with notice of their intent at least 60 days in advance of the relocation. This gives the other parent the opportunity to respond, negotiate, or protest the relocation.

The distance of a move may affect the required steps. Some relocations can be approved as long as both parties agree and the terms of the parenting agreement can stay the same. In other cases, a Judge must approve a decision to relocate. This is common in long-distance moves, and when the other parent does not agree with the relocation.

Terms of a parenting agreement can only be changed by a court order. So, if a child’s relocation will affect that agreement, then it must be approved by a Judge. They might modify the agreement, considering the new address, or deny the move altogether.

Navigating Relocation Agreements

Things move smoothly when both parents agree on a relocation, and it won’t prove a huge disruption to the child’s life. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. When two parents can’t agree on the terms of a relocation, further steps are required.

Many people prefer to try mediation first. This is where a neutral third party listens to both sides and tries to help find a compromise that works for everyone. Mediation can make it easier for a relocation to be approved.

When mediation isn’t successful or isn’t an option in the first place, the court system usually gets more involved. The relocating parent might petition the court for permission if the other parent doesn’t respond. Conversely, the other parent might dispute the attempt to move.

In these cases, it’s even more important to have the help of a lawyer who knows how difficult family law cases like this can be. When you go to court at the DuPage County Courthouse on N. County Farm Road, go with the assurance of qualified legal guidance at your back.

Hire a Child Relocation Lawyer

When both parents agree on a relocation with no stipulations, a lawyer may not be needed. However, if any meditation, negotiation, or complex court battles need to be addressed, having legal guidance can make a huge difference in your case.

Illinois has a crude divorce rate of 1.1 to 1.3 per 1,000 residents. When these divorcees are handling parenting agreements, they rely on family lawyers to help them get things right.

Schaffer Family Law, Ltd., can help explain what options you have. It’s ok if you don’t understand every element of Illinois’ family laws, because you’ll have a lawyer who does. Getting this help not only takes stress off your plate, but it also helps you advocate for a better outcome for you and your child.

It’s a good idea to hire a lawyer for help with:

• Filing a petition for relocation
• Disputing another parent’s intent to relocate
• Dealing with relocations across international boundaries
• Renegotiating the terms of parenting agreements because of a relocation
• Providing the appropriate notices and any required documentation

FAQs

Can I Move Internationally with My Child?

In some cases, yes, you can move internationally with your child. International relocation is more complex and may involve things like the Hague Convention. In these cases, having an attorney with experience in international family law can be vital. Hire a child relocation lawyer to help you figure out how to proceed.

Can the Father of My Child Stop Me from Moving Away?

The father of your child cannot directly stop you from moving away. However, he can challenge your intention to move. If the court decides to side with him, then you will be prevented from moving. In all relocation cases, the court has the final say, so you should follow the orders of the Judge who sees your case.

At What Age Can Kids Decide Who They Live With in Illinois?

There is no specific age at which children can decide who they get to live with, until they become adults at 18. Instead, children’s wishes are considered by the Judge in each case. In some cases, especially with older children, these wishes might be given more weight than in others.

What Happens if a Parent Moves out of State During a Parenting Agreement Battle?

Moving out of state while still negotiating a parenting agreement is considered a bad idea. If an agreement hasn’t been reached, the parent could even be held in contempt of court. It’s better to state an intention to move but wait to do so until an agreement has been reached. This agreement may consider the parents’ desire to move out of state.

Wheaton Child Relocation Lawyer

Child relocation cases are especially difficult because you must balance your needs with the needs of your child and the other parent. Negotiations can quickly get heated, especially when two parents disagree on the right path for their child. Having an experienced attorney who can support you in negotiations and help you understand your options can make the process much smoother.

With decades of experience, including in rare international family law cases, David N. Schaffer understands the nuance these cases create. He brings passionate support to each of his clients and a pragmatic and calm presence in the courtroom. Contact Schaffer Family Law, Ltd., today to get the support you need.