Let Our Family Help Your Family

Relocation

When a Custodial Parent Wishes to Move Out of State

After a child custody and visitation agreement has been reached and a court order has been signed, a parent who has sole or shared physical custody of a child cannot move out of state without first applying to the court for a modification of the custody order. In other words, parental relocation will almost certainly require a change in the child custody and visitation arrangement.

If a parent moves away — particularly out of state — without written permission from the other parent or a formal order of the court granting parental relocation, that parent may be forced to return. Before you accept a job that requires relocation, contact us to discuss the impact on your parental rights and existing custody agreement.

In Pennsylvania, a relocation hearing (also known as a Gruber hearing) will be necessary to determine whether or not a parent will be permitted to relocate with a minor child in their custody.

There are many factors that can impact the outcome of a parental relocation hearing, including:

  • The child’s relationship with both parents
  • The reason for the parental relocation
  • Any reasons the other parent has to try to prevent the relocation
  • The impact of parental relocation on the child’s well being and quality of life
  • Any hardship the other parent may face in seeking to exercise shared custody and visitation rights after the move

The child custody attorneys at the Sweeney Law Offices represent clients seeking permission to move or to prevent a parental relocation. In emergency situations, we have successfully requested Plowman hearings in order to obtain a temporary order allowing or preventing relocation until the final decision of the courts.

Contact Us Today

To discuss how an experienced lawyer at the Sweeney Law Offices can protect your rights and your child’s best interests in parental relocation situations in western Pennsylvania, contact us today. Our main office is located 20 minutes north of downtown Pittsburgh in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania. We offer free parking for your convenience. Major credit cards are accepted.