Relocating with children introduces a complex layer of legal challenges, particularly for divorced or separated parents bound by specific parenting plans or visitation agreements. In Illinois, child relocation, formerly referred to as child removal, often necessitates judicial intervention to ensure the child’s best interests remain a priority. Seeking guidance from Corri Fetman & Associates, Ltd., experienced in child relocation and removal, is essential for protecting your rights and achieving a favorable outcome.
Experienced in Child Removal & Relocation Cases
Corri Fetman & Associates, Ltd. has a proven track record of successfully representing clients in high-profile, high-income, and high-conflict situations. Our experience extends to handling complex cases involving celebrities, entertainers, business executives, and any individuals with a removal issue.
- Contested Child Removal
- Child Removal and Relocation
- High Conflict Child Relocation
- Celebrity Child Relocation
Achieving a fair and equitable resolution that allows for child relocation without enduring a protracted legal battle demands a strategic, knowledgeable, and experienced approach. Our attorneys offer strategic services in all facets of intricate and contested child relocation cases, understanding the nuanced needs of our high net worth clients.
Schedule a Child Relocation Case Evaluation
Under Illinois law, a custodial parent seeking to relocate with their child must obtain court approval and, typically, the consent of the non-custodial parent. Corri Fetman & Associates provides comprehensive legal support for both initiating and contesting relocation, ensuring that your parental rights and your child’s welfare are prioritized.
In child-focused legal matters, judicial decisions are made with the child’s best interests as the paramount concern, without favoring one parent over the other. Our child relocation attorneys are well-versed in the latest Illinois statutes and prepared to present a comprehensive case on your behalf, striving for the most beneficial outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions about Child Relocation and Removal:
- What is child relocation (removal)?
In Illinois, removal is when one parent is seeking to permanently relocate with the minor child either a significant distance within the State or to another State altogether. In Illinois, removal is governed by 750 ILCS 5/600 (g) and 750 ILCS 5/609.2 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. - What typically triggers child relocation disputes?
There are a lot of reasons why a parent might want to move out of state with his or her child. When seeking permission from the court to relocate, the reason or reasons that the parent provides for his or her proposed move have a significant impact on the court’s decision. The case is tantamount to a custody case and the best interests standards become relevant in the courts.Examples of reasons that may sway the court to approve of a proposed move include:
- A professional or educational opportunity for the parent that would significantly improve his or her quality of life, which would in turn affect the child’s quality of life;
- Moving to be closer to important family members whose presence in the child’s life would benefit the child;
- Moving because of a career or educational opportunity pursued by the parent’s spouse; and
- Any other reason that would significantly improve the child’s quality of life, such as moving to an area where the child may be exposed to better academic opportunities.
Not all reasons will pass muster when seeking removal and a proposed relocation. Examples of reasons that would not likely garner court approval include:
- A lateral job move;
- To cohabitate with a new partner after a short period of time; and
- For recreational reasons, such as a proximity to the beach.
- Do parents have unrestricted rights to relocate?
Currently, parents who reside in DuPage, Cook, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties may relocate within Illinois up to 25 miles away from their current home without the court’s permission. Parents in all other counties may move to a new location within Illinois up to 50 miles from their current home. Any parent who wants to move out of Illinois may do so, but only up to 25 miles away from their current home without the court’s permission.
Generally, the court will not allow a parent to move out of state with his or her child if the divorce is not yet finalized. However, the court may allow it in emergency situations.
Our attorneys are experienced in child removal cases and ready to assist you in identifying and achieving the most appropriate parenting arrangements under these challenging circumstances.
Protecting Parental Rights in Child Relocation and Removal Cases
Trust the skilled family law attorneys at Corri Fetman & Associates, Ltd. to represent you effectively in your child relocation or removal case, whether you are seeking to relocate with your child or oppose a proposed move. Qualified, knowledgeable legal representation is crucial to safeguarding your rights and the well-being of your children.
Contact Corri Fetman & Associates, Ltd. at 312-341-0900 to arrange a private and confidential consultation by clicking here to discuss your child relocation or removal case specifics. Our dedicated team is here to provide the legal support and guidance you need during this critical time in Cook County, DuPage County, Lake County, Winnebago County, Kane County, and McHenry County in Illinois.
