What is the Legal Process for Relocating With a Child in Oklahoma?

Moving to a new city with your child after divorce or separation can feel overwhelming. Amidst the chaos of packing boxes and finding new schools, you might wonder about the legal requirements that apply to relocating with your child in Oklahoma. Understanding these guidelines is crucial to avoid possible legal complications that could affect your custody arrangement.

Key elements of Oklahoma’s relocation process include:

• Seeking court approval for moves over seventy-five (75) miles
• Giving sixty (60)-day advance notice requirements to other custodial adults
• Including the new address, reasons for the move, and a revised visitation schedule in relocation notices
• Being prepared to demonstrate that the move is in your child’s best interest if the proposal is objected to

At Inner Vision Legal, our experience in Oklahoma family law has helped us guide numerous parents through these kinds of disputes. We understand the emotional and legal matters that often come up when families need to move, and we are here to help you through this process with confidence.

Do You Need Court Approval to Relocate With Your Child?

Oklahoma law requires specific procedures when you plan to move your child’s primary residence. Under Oklahoma statute, “relocation” involves moving your child more than seventy-five (75) miles from their current primary residence for sixty (60) days or longer.

If you share custody with another parent, you cannot automatically relocate without following proper legal procedures. You, as the relocating parent, must provide notification of the impending move. The other parent has thirty (30) days after receiving your notice to file an objection with the court. If they object, a judge will determine whether the move serves your child’s best interests.

However, if the other parent does not object within thirty (30) days, you may proceed with the relocation as planned.

What Are the Notice Requirements for Relocation?

Oklahoma law mandates that you provide written notice to every person entitled to visitation with your child. This notice must be sent by mail to their last known address no later than sixty (60) days before your intended move date, except under circumstances that do not grant sufficient time for the sixty (60)-day timeline.

Your relocation notice must include several specific pieces of information:

• The intended new residence address (if known)
• Mailing address, if different from the residence
• Home telephone number at the new location (if known/applicable)
• Date of the intended move
• Brief explanation of reasons for the relocation
• Proposed revised visitation schedule
• Warning that objections must be filed within thirty (30) days

Failing to provide proper notice can result in serious financial and legal consequences. 

What Factors Do Oklahoma Courts Consider in Relocation Cases?

If the other parent objects to your proposed relocation, Oklahoma courts evaluate multiple factors to determine whether the move serves your child’s best interests. These include:

• Relationship Quality: Courts examine the nature and extent of your child’s relationship with both parents, including how involved each parent has been in the child’s life.
• Child’s Preferences and Developmental Needs: Judges consider your child’s age and maturity, developmental stage, and specific needs that might be affected by the move.
• Maintaining Relationships: Courts evaluate whether it will be feasible to preserve your child’s relationship with the non-relocating parent through adjusted visitation schedules.
• Quality of Life Improvements: Judges assess whether the relocation will enhance the general quality of life for both you and your child.
• Motivations: Courts examine each parent’s reasons for supporting or opposing the relocation to ensure decisions are made in good faith.

The relocating parent bears the initial burden of proving the move is made in good faith and for legitimate reasons. Once established, the non-relocating parent must demonstrate that the relocation is not in the child’s best interests.

Protecting Your Family’s Future Through Proper Legal Guidance

Relocating with your child in Oklahoma is a process that can significantly impact your family’s future and involves numerous legal requirements. Whether you need to move for career opportunities, family support, or other important reasons, following the proper procedures protects both your interests and your child’s well-being. An experienced family law attorney can ensure you comply with all notice requirements and, if needed, help you present a compelling case for your proposed move.

If you are considering relocating with your child or facing a relocation dispute, contact Inner Vision Legal today. Our compassionate legal team will help you understand your options and guide you through the process with the understanding and experience you need to protect your family’s interests.