One of the biggest worries parents have during their separation or divorce is the fear that the other parent will move away with the children. A parent usually cannot move the children in a way that affects the other parent’s time with them without the other parent’s permission or a court order.

Short answer – Generally speaking, no. One parent cannot unilaterally block the other’s parenting time. Family law focuses on the child’s meaningful relationship with both parents, not on either parent’s wishes. 

Introduction

Family law lawyers are frequently asked, “At what age can a child decide which parent they would like to live with?” Sometimes, this information is used to press another parent to submit to a change of parenting time or decision-making. Sometimes, it is shared with children, to embolden them to make their own decisions as to their living arrangements. Sometimes, it is a factor that prompts a parent to take Court action, to amend living arrangements.

I once heard a senior family law judge describe special and extraordinary expenses as a Gordian knot. Like Alexander the Great, who simply cut the impossible knot in half with his sword, the best approach to the seemingly unsolvable extraordinary expenses problem can be a direct and simple approach.

As you contemplate a separation or divorce, the well-being of your children is first and foremost in your mind.

You may know of children who have experienced emotional harm as a result of the breakdown of their parents’ relationship. Your children do not have to live this experience.