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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
  • “Donna peacefully found ways to resolve these issues without remorse.”

    Donna and her staff are highly experienced/knowledgeable with family law. My case was complicated by child custody and divorce issues. For several years, my ex sought to always try and bring me back to court for mundane issues. Donna peacefully found ways to resolve these issues without remorse. I highly recommend Donna to anybody needing a qualified legal professional with a heart.

    - J.T.
  • “It is my opinion there's no better family law firm, period.”
    “I had a very complicated and emotional interstate child custody case on which both Donna Santo and Michael Mehas provided me with expert legal advice to bring the matter to a positive conclusion.”
    - Nick C., director of The Notebook
  • “I was able to be a part of my child’s life which is priceless.”

    I had a divorce and child custody case and Santo Mehas represented me. Michael Mehas traveled from his Ventura office to Fresno to appear on my behalf and was diligent in fighting for my rights as a parent. We had a positive outcome with agreeable visitation rights. I was able to be a part of my child’s life which is priceless.

    - Matthew A.
  • “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.
  • “They were there for me from the beginning to the end”
    “They were there for me from the beginning to the end”
    - Lawrence J.
  • “I recommend them”
    Never fun needing to hire a lawyer but Michael and Donna were great to work with and helped to make the process go smoothly. They were both easy to reach, offered clear advice, and were honest in all of their interactions. I recommend them if you find yourself in need of solid legal help.
    - Brian L.
  • “She and her staff are professional with decades of experience.”

    I recommend Donna Santo and her staff. She and her staff are professional with decades of experience. They understand the law and how family law cases are heard in the courts. I had an extremely complex custody case with dozens of health professionals, collateral contacts, and opinions floating around. There were so many accusations, crisis, and charges; and every one of them felt extremely important to me. My concerns were serious, and the innumerable quantity along with counter accusations overwhelmed the courts. Donna's office was able to sift through and make sense of things to help get things on track. Donna's office took the time to relate this to the courts in a logical digestible manner for the best possible outcome. It took time. I needed to trust. She knows her stuff, and is strong at the right times.

    - Jason
  • “Donna and Michael are outstanding”
    Donna and Michael are outstanding, I was referred to their office and as soon as I retained their services the legal nightmare I was in was over and the tone changed from the other party immediately. Donna will not lead you into a false sense in pursuing an unrealistic outcome. Donna achieved a very fair ruling and straightened out lots of dishonesty in my case against the other party which was much needed.
    - John H.