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Relocation Guiding You Through Difficult Times

Ventura Relocation Attorneys

Relocation & Custody Following a Divorce

During a divorce, one of the spouses will sometimes desire to relocate to a different geographic region with their child. In California, recent court decisions have interpreted the law to give parents who object to such a move a significant opportunity to fight this on the basis that the move would not be in the child's best interests based upon various factors considered by the court.

On the other hand, sometimes a parent seeks out a relocation opportunity to provide a better life for his/her child. If this is the case, this parent will have to convince the court why this move would be beneficial to the child.

The court upholds the best interests of the child standard when making relocation decisions. It is very common for the court to assume that relocating would not be in the child’s best interests. However, with a lawyer’s help and some planning, a parent could convince the court otherwise.

How Is Relocation Determined in California?

The court refers to certain factors to make these decisions and often seeks the advice of custody evaluators to help as well.

When deciding whether to grant the move the court is required to consider many factors, including:

  • The stability and continuity of custodial relationships
  • The distance of the move and the impact it could have on visitation
  • The reason for the move
  • The child’s relationship with each parent
  • Community and family members in the current and proposed locations
  • The age of the child
  • The relationship between the parents
  • The child’s needs and preferences

Both parents may agree to the move and the custody change terms. Additionally, a relocating parent needs court approval to move the child – regardless of the state.

Can a Custodial Parent Relocate with a Child?

A relocation order is based upon many factors, including, but not limited to: the stability and continuity of the children, the distance of the move, the children’s age, and the extent to which the parents are sharing custody.

California law states that a parent must provide written notice of such a move. This must be sent out at least 45 days before the actual move so the parents can formulate a new custody and/or visitation agreement. The parent who does not want to relocate can then file an objection to this move if he/she would like and ask the court for assistance.

Why Would You Want to Relocate with Your Child?

There are many valid and beneficial reasons as to why you might consider relocating with your child. Here are some reasons why you might relocate as a parent:

To be closer to family members:

  • If being around more family members would be in the best interests of your child, you might want to move – especially if your family could help with childcare needs. Additionally, there is only so much a parent can teach a child. Extended family members help with raising the child, offer diverse perspectives, and can expose the child to different ideas and activities.

For better employment opportunities:

  • As a parent, being able to provide for your child is extremely important. If relocating would allow you to pursue a better job with employment benefits, the court would look favorably on this.

For better housing opportunities:

  • Families with safe and stable home environments often have less health problems, improved school performance, and less psychological stress.

Contact Our Relocation Attorneys for Your Relocation Needs

Our attorneys have over seven decades of experience handling family law matters, including relocation cases. We understand how important your family’s health and wellbeing are to you. If relocating would be detrimental to your child, we will fight to stop this from happening. Alternatively, if a move would greatly benefit your child, we promise to do our best to make that a reality.

If you have concerns about how custody in a relocation case works, contact us online or call us at (805) 222-7818 and let us know what we can do for you.

An Emphasis on Strong Family Values

Our firm places a strong emphasis on the importance of family values. The balance between maintaining these family values and generating a better future for you and your family is one we strive to achieve with each case. Our values consist of:
  • Holistic Approach

    We aim to resolve conflict so you and your family can move on peacefully. We approach all aspects of a case, including the emotional, financial, and mental components, and advocate with you throughout.

  • Collaboration

    Collaborative divorce can be a great option for spouses looking to share joint custody of their child/children and the court looks favorably on this decision. When possible, we strive to come to a resolution that will benefit both spouses.

  • Children Come First

    We respect the fact that our clients trust us with important life-decisions. We strive to be as understanding and empathetic as we can with you and treat you like we would treat a close family member.

  • Compassionate Legal Services

    We respect the fact that our clients trust us with important life-decisions. We strive to be as understanding and empathetic as we can with you and treat you like we would treat a close family member.

Our Satisfied Clients

Real Stories from Real People
  • “If 10 stars had been a choice I would have given them 10 STARS.”
    “If 10 stars had been a choice I would have given them 10 STARS.”
    - Paul R.
  • “A final settlement in a reasonable amount of time at a price”

    When I brought in this law firm to represent me in my divorce, my wife and her lawyer knew I had gained the ability to fight back if necessary. From that point on, negotiations could proceed. Peace through strength. Fortunately, no protracted or unnecessary fighting was necessary. Due to longstanding relationships, understandings, and trust between my team and my wife's team, deals were worked out on several fronts, avoiding crossing anyone's red lines and resulting in a final settlement in a reasonable amount of time at a price far below what either of us expected to pay.

    - David G.
  • “I appreciated her absolute professionalism & integrity throughout the divorce process.”

    I have had the pleasure of retaining Donna Santo as my divorce attorney. Obviously, no one wants to retain a divorce attorney but sometimes life leads you to things you thought you'd never have to do. Donna came highly recommended by contacts, friends, and colleagues. She has been practicing law for over 40 years. I appreciated her absolute professionalism & integrity throughout the divorce process - something that was not mirrored from opposing counsel. I wanted as little drama as possible with the negotiations and proceedings and that is the way she conducted herself and my case. Her staff was truly wonderful to work with. I'm happy to speak with or provide a professional reference for her.

    - Jennifer C.
  • “You two are a true blessing”
    Where do I begin? Donna Santo and Michael Mehas are a phenomenal team. From my initial phone call with Michael to my Victory with Donna. Everything from beginning to end was immaculate. I was handling my case on my own, and I gradually started to feel defeated and wanted to just give up, it was too much weight to carry. Then I was referred to SantoMehas PROFESSIONAL Law Corporation, and yes they are very professional. Mr. Mehas promised me they (he and Donna) would fight for me and they put up a big, huge fight ending in a victory. Donna picked up where I left off, when I was representing myself. I made a huge mess and Mrs. Santo cleaned it up effortlessly. She enters into the courtroom with confidence and knowledge. She indeed knows her stuff. I was unable to appear from time to time, so she represented me and called me right after the hearing to inform me of next steps and outcomes. I am happy with the outcome of my year-long custodial battle, of which was not looking good for me until Donna and Michael started representing me. I am truly grateful for them, without them, who knows how my life would have turned out, but with them it turned out exactly the way I wanted it. If you’re second guessing about having SantoMehas represent you, DON’T they’re literally there to fight for you, and the battle will not end until you win, thank you so much Michael Mehas and Donna Santo, you two are a true blessing.
    - Kwameisha T.
  • “The level of honesty and professionalism is beyond compare, not to mention compassion.”
    “The level of honesty and professionalism is beyond compare, not to mention compassion. I feel that any attorney that can show compassion to their client as well as represent them is by far the best attorney.”
    - Erin H.
  • “A+ lawyer!”

    It's been a constant struggle with my son's father, before acquiring Ms. Donna Santo as my attorney, I had no chance to show the courts the stress my ex was causing for me and my son. Ms. Santo and her team have helped me exercise my rights as a mother and legally they have put me in a position to ultimately give my son the best life possible. Her staff was extremely professional and helpful. I was very satisfied with the services I received and I would highly recommend her. She is a good listener and she gave me great advice. Ms. Santo went above and beyond to make sure I fully understood the process and responded quickly to emails and voicemails. She is the greatest lawyer ever.

    - Jess
  • “They were prepared and ready for anything.”
    “They were prepared and ready for anything.”
    - Madisen R.
  • “Donna did a great job on my divorce.”
    “They kept the case on track, knew which options were optimal, and responded well to my preferences for proceeding.They kept legal bills to a minimum as they worked expertly on my behalf.”
    - David