When a parent considers relocating with their child, transparency and communication become important. This is especially true when this happens in a co-parenting situation.
Understanding the requirements for notifying the other parent, including the timeline and means of communication, ensures a smoother transition for all parties.
Legal notice requirement
When a custodial parent decides to relocate with the child, they must first provide notice to the other parent. Doing this allows ample time for discussion and planning. Maryland law requires a notice of at least 90 days before the intended move. Some exceptions do exist when the parent cannot provide notice for the full period, but it is at the discretion of the court.
Beyond the notice
The legal notice will communicate important details about the move. However, parents should also discuss the situation with each other. The parent intending to move should provide details about the new location and moving plans.
Both parents should discuss any changes to the parenting plan that might occur as a result. When the distance of the relocation is significant, the parent proposing the move should consider the logistics of maintaining the child’s relationship with the non-relocating parent. This might involve discussing feasible visitation schedules, utilizing virtual communication methods or exploring options that facilitate the child’s ongoing connection with both parents.
Taking a transparent approach helps establish trust between the parents and promotes an open dialogue. It fosters a cooperative environment during a potentially challenging time.
Understanding the legal requirements and adhering to them is important in a child relocation scenario. Giving proper notice allows parents to navigate the process with respect and consideration for the child’s best interests.