You’ve found a great opportunity, and the relocation really is in the best interest of you and your child. Unfortunately, you may have to make it past your custody agreement if you want to make any moves.
The courts of Hawaii always look to maintain what’s in the best interest of the child when it comes to custody. This includes requiring permission from the court before moving your child a significant distance from their second parent without showing you can still abide by your custody agreement.
Island hoping
You’ll likely have to seek permission for any large moves when you’re looking to relocate a child with shared custody. A smaller feat on the mainland, even moving a few miles away in Hawaii to the next island can create big hurdles for visitation.
Family matters
There is no shortage of issues that come with trying to get permission to move away from your child’s other parent. Even with consent, you may still be required to head to court to answer questions about maintaining or adjusting your custody agreement:
- Communication: Your ex could still be entitled to the same level of contact with their child, despite the challenges the distance may create.
- Time: You will still have to provide time for the other parent to be with their child. This could take on a different look after a relocation, like longer visitation periods to make up for infrequency.
- Chaperoning: If you have a younger child, you’ll have to be able to answer who will escort the child back and forth, especially when flying is involved.
- Costs: Travel between islands can really begin to add up. You’ll need to have a plan for covering the extra expenses that come with frequent travel.
Having answers to many of these questions will go a long way toward getting the permission you need to relocate while maintaining custody of a child. Remember the bests interests of your child, and the state of Hawaii could follow your lead.
