Relocation, once called “removal,” is when one parent seeks to permanently move with a child, either a significant distance within Illinois or to another state. It’s governed by 750 ILCS 5/600(g) and 750 ILCS 5/609.2 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. Because it changes your child’s daily life, the court takes it seriously.
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Chicago Child Relocation & Removal Attorney
Chicago Child Relocation & Removal Attorney
You’ve found a fresh start. Maybe it’s a new job, a chance to be near family, or simply the space to breathe again. But you share a child with someone, and now that hopeful next chapter feels tangled in fear. Can you go? Will a judge say yes? What if the other parent fights you?
Or maybe you’re on the other side. Someone you co-parent with wants to move your child hours away, and the thought of missing bedtimes and weekend soccer games keeps you up at night.
Either way, you’re not alone in this. Your child’s future is worth protecting, and you deserve someone in your corner who knows exactly how to do it.
Who We Help
Relocation cases come in many forms. You may see your own situation in one of these:
- Parents who want to relocate with their child for a career move, a new relationship, or a better life closer to loved ones.
- Parents fighting a proposed move who want to preserve their bond and their time with their child.
- High-conflict situations where communication has broken down and emotions run high.
- High-profile clients, including celebrities, entertainers, and business executives who need discretion alongside strong advocacy.
- Complex, high-income cases where parenting schedules, finances, and privacy all sit on the line.
Whatever your circumstances, we can help you pursue a fair outcome that puts your child first.
How Child Relocation Works in Illinois
Illinois law has clear rules about when a move counts as a “relocation,” and the distance matters. Here’s the plain-language version.
What Counts as a Relocation
- Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties: For parents living in these counties, a move of more than 25 miles from your current home is a relocation.
- All other Illinois counties: A move of more than 50 miles from your current home is considered a relocation in all other counties.
- Moving out of state: Any move across state lines of more than 25 miles counts as a relocation.
Relocation used to be called “removal.” Today it’s governed by 750 ILCS 5/600(g) and 750 ILCS 5/609.2 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act.
The Notice Requirement
Before you move, you must give the other parent written notice. That notice tells them when you plan to move and where you’re going. A copy also gets filed with the court, so everything is on the record.
What Happens if the Other Parent Objects
If the other parent signs the notice and agrees, the path forward is fairly smooth. The court modifies your parenting plan, and you can move.
If the other parent objects, or simply doesn’t respond, you’ll need to file a petition and ask a judge for permission. At that point, the case starts to look a lot like a custody case, and the stakes rise.
The Best Interests of the Child Standard
When a judge decides, one thing guides the whole process: what’s best for your child. The court doesn’t automatically favor the parent who wants to move or the one who objects. Instead, a judge weighs several factors, including:
- The reasons behind the proposed move, and the reasons for the objection.
- Each parent’s relationship with the child.
- Educational opportunities in both locations.
- Extended family in each place.
- How the move affects your child’s time with the other parent.
- Your child’s own wishes, when appropriate, based on age and maturity.
Winning a relocation case means telling a clear, honest story that shows the move truly serves your child. That’s where strong preparation makes all the difference.
Why Families Trust Corri Fetman & Associates, Ltd.
Relocation cases can get emotional fast, and you need more than good intentions on your side. You need strategy, experience, and someone who will fight for you.
Corri Fetman & Associates, Ltd. has a proven track record in high-profile, high-income, and high-conflict cases. Our attorneys have represented celebrities, entertainers, and business executives, along with everyday parents facing the hardest decisions of their lives.
You’ll get candid advice, meticulous preparation, and courtroom advocacy built to be trial-ready. Just as important, you’ll get someone who listens, explains your options in plain language, and treats your family with the care it deserves.
The right resolution doesn’t have to mean a drawn-out battle. With the right approach, you can protect your rights and your child’s well-being at the same time.
Ready to Talk? Let’s Protect What Matters Most
You don’t have to figure this out alone. A private, confidential consultation is the first step toward clarity and peace of mind.
Call our office to discuss your child relocation or removal case today. We proudly serve families in Cook, DuPage, Lake, Winnebago, Kane, and McHenry counties in Illinois.
FAQs About Relocation and Custody
What triggers a relocation dispute?
Disputes usually start when one parent wants to move and the other worries about losing time with their child. Your reason for the move carries real weight with the court.
Reasons a judge may view favorably include:
- Moving closer to family whose presence benefits your child.
- Following a spouse’s genuine career or educational opportunity.
- Giving your child access to better schools or a clear boost in quality of life.
Reasons that rarely persuade a court include a lateral job move, relocating quickly to live with a new partner, or moving simply for recreation, like living near the beach.
Do parents have unrestricted rights to relocate?
No, and this surprises a lot of people. If you live in DuPage, Cook, Kane, Lake, McHenry, or Will counties, you can move up to 25 miles within Illinois without court permission. Parents in other counties can move up to 50 miles.
Any move out of state requires permission beyond 25 miles. Courts generally won’t approve an out-of-state move before a divorce is finalized, though emergencies can be an exception.
What does the court consider when deciding?
The court’s north star is your child’s best interests. A judge looks at each parent’s relationship with the child, the reasons for and against the move, educational opportunities, extended family, and how the move affects parenting time. Your child’s wishes may also matter, depending on age and maturity.
What happens if both parents agree on the move?
This is the smoothest path. When the other parent signs the notice and agrees, you file it with the court and the parenting plan gets updated to reflect the new arrangement. No lengthy court battle required, just clear paperwork and a plan that works for your family.
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