Minnesota’s Relocation Rules for Parents

On Behalf of | May 6, 2014 | Family Law

After a divorce, you may find that you want or need to relocate with your child. There are many different reasons you might want to relocate – perhaps you’ve been offered a new job, remarried, would like to be closer to family members for emotional or financial support, or want to begin a new school or job training program. Whatever the reason, it’s important to be aware of Minnesota’s rules for relocation after the final custody order has been established.

When considering whether or not the relocation is in the child’s best interests, Minnesota courts prioritize the following factors:

  • The emotional ties between children and their parents, siblings, family members or caregivers
  • Each parent’s mental and physical health
  • The child’s mental and physical health
  • Whether any party has a history of domestic abuse
  • The child’s wishes, depending on their age and maturity

State law holds the relocating parent responsible for providing proof regarding the benefit(s) of moving their child, except in instances where the parent requesting the move has been abused by the other parent. Generally, you may modify these orders by seeking a modification to be granted by the court, or you may work with the other parent and notify the court together.

For further guidance on this issue, speak with an experienced family law attorney.

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