How hard is it to convince a judge to allow children to relocate with the other parent to a different state?

Question: How hard is it to convince a judge to allow children to relocate with the other parent to a different state?

I currently live in Washington and my children live with their dad in AZ, I gave him sole custody which was a mistake for they are not taken care of. Always eating fast food, and the apartment is always dirty, laundry piled up in the living room higher than my 6 year old. Some times my 11 year old wets the bed due to a small bladder and it concerns me that this laundry sits there for weeks. The laundry is only done if my 11 year old does it. I deal with my children telling me they don’t want to live with daddy, and my 11 year old says she has nightmares that she has to live with daddy forever. I have visitation, but would like to change this. HOW?

Answer:

In order to change the existing orders, there must be an ongoing and continuing change of circumstances, or you would otherwise have to convince the court that it is in the children’s best interest. This is not always an easy task.

I would encourage you to meet with an experienced family law attorney to discuss your options. Many firms, such as The Sampair Group, would not charge you for an evaluation of the situation.

Good luck!

Patrick Sampair
The Sampair Group, PLLC

Offices Valley-Wide:
Arrowhead: 17235 N. 75th Avenue, Suite E-100, Glendale, AZ
City North: 5450 E High St #300, Phoenix, AZ
East Valley: 1830 S. Alma School #114, Mesa, AZ

West Valley: 623.218.1000
Phoenix: 602.997.7717
East Valley: 480.636.1333

To read more of Phoenix child custody attorney Patrick Sampair’s answers on Avvo be sure to check his Glendale family law page, or if you have a question for Mr. Sampair ask him directly at Sampair Group.