Experienced Custody And Relocation Attorneys In Illinois
Even though living near the Missouri border often means exciting opportunities across state lines, Illinois law requires specific legal steps before relocating with your children. For Metro East residents, moving just 25 miles – even for a promising job in St. Louis – requires court approval when you share parenting responsibilities. Missing these crucial legal steps could impact your parental rights and your child’s future.
Bruckert, Behme & Long, P.C., has guided Metro East families through relocation challenges since 1999. Our family lawyers are committed to top-notch family law representation at good value to help ensure that your move or child custody modification respects the legal process while prioritizing your child’s best interests.
Illinois Laws On Moving The Children’s Primary Residence
When both parents share custody or parental responsibilities, the law helps ensure that each has the right to spend time with their child. A move-away is considered a relocation if:
● You are moving more than 25 miles from your current residence in certain counties, including those in Illinois’ Metro East.
● The move crosses state lines, even if it’s within 25 miles (for example, moving from Illinois to St. Louis, Missouri).
● Relocating more than 50 miles within Illinois if residing in any other Illinois county.
The matter may proceed to court if the nonrelocating parent opposes the move. The court will proceed to assess several factors to determine whether relocation serves the child’s best interests, including:
● Impact on the child’s quality of life
● Educational opportunities in the new location
● Effect on relationships with both parents
● Financial and career benefits of the move
● Feasibility of new parenting time arrangements
Moving with your child requires more than just packing boxes. A single oversight in the legal process could derail your plans or compromise your parental rights. Let our attorneys handle the legal complexities while you focus on preparing your family for this significant change.
Call Us Today To Discuss Custody Modification And Relocation
The sooner you dial 618-589-1152 to begin planning your legal strategy with us at Bruckert, Behme & Long, P.C., the better positioned you can be to achieve your goals. Our O’Fallon and New Baden offices stand ready to help.