Moving with Your Child as a Sole Custodian

Who Decides About Moving When You Have Sole Custody?

As the sole custodian, you have the authority to decide in your child's personal matters, including where the child lives. That means you do not need the other parent's approval to move.

If the other parent wants to change the arrangement — to joint custody, or to sole custody for themselves — they need to either:

1. Agree with the current custodian on the change and put it in a binding agreement, or
2. File a petition in court for a change in custody.

The Child's Right to Both Parents

Children have the right to close and meaningful contact with both parents. As the custodial parent, you have a responsibility to support your child's relationship with the other parent — assuming both parents are considerate and have the child's best interests at heart.

How to Make a Move Easier for Your Child

A move, especially a long-distance one, can affect your child's ability to stay connected with the other parent. Here are some steps that ease the transition and support that relationship:

• Create a visitation plan. Work out a plan for visits and make sure the other parent is on board.

• Talk it through with your child. Explain the plan, listen to their concerns, and adjust it if needed.

• Encourage regular contact. Depending on your child's age, support regular contact with the other parent through phone calls or the Co-parenting app.

• Keep the other parent informed. Share regular updates on your child's well-being and daily life. In the Co-parenting app you can share photos, school information, and chat — keeping the other parent in the loop helps them stay part of the child's everyday life, even from a distance.

With these steps, you can help your child and the other parent keep a strong relationship, even after a move.