Child Custody Relocations Work With An Experienced Licensed Paraprofessional

Fort Collins Child Custody Relocation

Renegotiating Child Custody When One or More Parents Relocate

Life changes often require families to relocate, but when a child custody agreement is involved, moves can become legally complex situations that require careful navigation and experienced guidance. Relocation decisions involve both practical considerations and legal requirements that can significantly impact your custody arrangements and your children's well-being. With over 20 years of focused experience in Colorado family law, New Beginnings Family Law’s licensed legal paraprofessionals have helped numerous Fort Collins families successfully handle relocation matters while protecting both parental rights and children's best interests.

Whether you're planning a move and need to understand your legal obligations, or you're facing an unwanted relocation request from your co-parent, we're here to guide you through Colorado's relocation laws with clarity and strategic advocacy. Every relocation case is unique, and we'll help you understand how the law applies to your specific situation.

Facing a potential relocation situation? Call New Beginnings Family Law at (970) 251-1661 to request your free 30-minute consultation and see how we can protect your rights and your children's interests.

When a Move May Require Custody Renegotiations or Court Approval

Understanding when your move triggers legal requirements helps you plan appropriately and avoid potential complications. Parents don't need permission from a court to move, but a long-distance move that involves changing the child's primary residence requires careful legal consideration. If you're planning to relocate with your children and there's an existing custody order in place, you must get court approval or written consent from the other parent.

The parent wishing to relocate must provide written notice to the other parent as soon as practicable, including the proposed new location, the reason for the relocation, and a revised parenting plan. Even local moves within Colorado can require court approval if they significantly impact an existing parenting schedule or the child's established routine. The key factor is whether the move interferes with the other parent's ability to maintain meaningful relationships with the children.

If relocation is part of the initial custody determination during divorce proceedings, the judge is required to accept where each party wants to live and then make appropriate parenting time decisions that are in the best interests of the children. However, courts are typically more flexible if the move is requested at the start of a divorce or custody proceeding, and are more likely to approve relocation if the child is younger and with their primary caregiver.

How to Contest a Proposed Move

If your co-parent has notified you of their intention to relocate with your children and you object, you have specific rights and time-sensitive steps to protect your interests. You must file your objection with the court within 28 days of receiving the relocation notice to preserve your right to contest the move. Your objection should clearly state your reasons for opposing the relocation and how it would negatively impact your relationship with your children or their best interests. The burden then shifts to the relocating parent to prove that the move serves the children's best interests. At the same time, you'll need to demonstrate why maintaining the current arrangement better serves your family.

What to Do When Your Move is Contested

When the other parent objects to your proposed relocation, you'll need to present a strong case demonstrating that the move serves your children's best interests. Contested relocation cases require strategic preparation and compelling evidence.

New Beginnings Family Law can help you:

Gather supporting documentation. Compile comprehensive evidence supporting your relocation request, including employment offers, housing arrangements, educational opportunities for the children, and family support systems in the new location that demonstrate clear benefits.
Develop a revised parenting plan. Present a detailed plan showing how the other parent will maintain meaningful relationships with the children, including proposed visitation schedules, holiday arrangements, and methods for maintaining regular communication.
Address the children's best interests. Courts consider factors including the reasons for the proposed relocation, the relationship between the child and each parent, and the impact of the move on the child's quality of life when making decisions.
Prepare for expedited hearings. Colorado law requires courts to schedule relocation hearings within 35 days of an opposing parent filing an objection, so you must be prepared to present your case quickly and comprehensively.
Consider mediation and settlement. Even in contested cases, exploring mediation or settlement negotiations can help you reach agreements that serve everyone's interests while avoiding the uncertainty and expense of contested hearings.
Understand court limitations. Courts cannot deny permission to relocate and require the parent to remain with the children. Their options are limited to permitting the children to move or denying permission, in which case they remain with the other parent.

Relocation cases can be some of the most contentious matters in family law, making experienced legal guidance essential for protecting your interests and your children's future.

A proposed relocation shouldn’t have to derail your family's plans. Schedule your complimentary30-minute consultation today and let New Beginnings Family Law help you build the strongest possible case.

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