Parent/Child Relocation

Practical, Action-Oriented Oregon Family Law Attorneys

Some of the most intense post-divorce disputes involve a custodial parent’s attempts to move with the children. Out-of-state moves and relocations to other Oregon cities may be justifiable under a range of circumstances.

Custodial parents may relocate for a many reasons:

Enhanced employment opportunities
Improved or more cost-effective living conditions
Entering a new romantic partnership or remarriage
Being closer to family members
Access to better educational institutions, medical facilities, or religious communities

While these motivations for relocating are often well-founded and justifiable, it’s important to recognize the potential impact on the non-custodial parent. A move can interfere with scheduled parenting time and might require additional travel costs. Whether the custodial parent holds sole or shared legal custody, the relocation can present challenges for all involved, including the child.

Judges always evaluate moves based on whether they are in the best interests of the children, not the parents.

We have represented both divorced parents targeting relocation with their children and non-custodial parents contesting such moves. Our proven lawyers are very experienced in family law. We have years of insight and knowledge insight into the tendencies of specific courts and officials in the greater Portland area.

Understanding Child Relocation Guidelines in Oregon

Under Oregon law, any custodial parent must give notification well in advance of plans to move children outside a 60-mile radius of the current home. This notice must be provided to the court and to the non-custodial parent. The non-custodial parent then has the right to vigorously contest relocation. Ignoring this requirement can lead to serious repercussions, including legal penalties or the risk of losing custody.

What if The Move is Less Than 60 miles?

Under Oregon law, a custodial parent is allowed to move up to 60 miles from their current home without needing formal approval or to notify the other parent. Nonetheless, it’s a good idea to talk about it with the other parent because even a small move can impact how much time a parent can spend with the child. This includes things like how long it takes to travel between the parents’ homes or to and from school.

Prepared to Effectively Support or Challenge a Move-Away with Children

Our substantial experience with parent-child relocation and other post-divorce issues enables us to:

Build your case for relocation based on solid evidence showing the move will be in the children’s best interests — often because it will increase family income, open new opportunities, or substantially improve children’s living circumstances
Effectively contest a relocation that will unduly disrupt your parenting time and involvement without significant benefit to your children
Suggest innovative compromises and solutions that may allow the move but also require parenting time, child support, and/or other modifications of orders

Navigating the Evolving Legal Terrain of Child Relocation in Oregon

Oregon’s regulations on child relocation are constantly evolving, influenced by new rulings from the Oregon Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court. These legal updates can significantly alter how laws are interpreted and applied. For families thinking about a move or those who wish to contest one we recommend securing guidance from a Oliveros Law Group attorney. Our team is well versed in the latest legal developments and can offer personalized advice and advocacy, ensuring decisions align with the best interest of the child and comply with current legal standards.

Turn to Our Family Lawyers for Balanced, Dependable Counsel

The widespread economic downturn in recent years has made mobility essential to many people’s livelihoods. Simply stated, some people have to move to make a decent living. In other situations, strife between ex-spouses leads people to ignore the law and the other parents’ rights.

Our conveniently located law firm in Clackamas represent clients throughout Portland and across Oregon, including Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington County. Many of our clients live and work in communities such as Oregon City, Lake Oswego, West Linn, Milwaukie, Gladstone, Gresham, Wilsonville, and Sandy.