Relocation Lawyer in Morristown, NJ, Assisting with Parental Move-Away Cases in Morris County and Throughout North Jersey
Relocating with your kids after divorce isn't simple. A new job calls your name. Family needs you closer. But custody agreements can turn simple dreams into complex challenges that demand the guidance of an experienced Morris County child relocation attorney.
I am Michele Hart, and at M. Hart Divorce & Family Law, I help Morris County parents write their next chapter. Whether you're planning a move or responding to one, I stand ready to protect your rights and your precious bond with your children.
Contact me and discuss your situation with a Morris County child relocation attorney today. I can help you figure out the legal steps that protect your and your child’s best interests.
Understanding Child Relocation Laws in New Jersey
If you’re thinking about moving out of New Jersey with your child, you can’t just pack up and go. You’ll need either the other parent’s consent or approval from the Morris County family court.
Until 2017, this process was a lot easier for custodial parents. Back then, under the Baures v. Lewis case, all you needed to prove was that the move wouldn’t harm your child and that you had a legitimate reason for relocating. The court used to consider both your interests and your child’s interests.
The Bisbing v. Bisbing case, in which an appellate court returned a decision in July 2021, changed this practice. The court ruled that just because a move won’t harm a child doesn’t mean it’s in their best interest. Now, the child’s best interest is the priority in all relocation cases.
The same standards the judge applied to your custody decisions must also guide relocation cases, such as:
- Your child’s unique needs and age
- Each parent’s ability to adapt to new commuting arrangements
- The stability of each parent’s home
- Relationships with siblings and other people in your child’s life
- Any history of domestic violence
- The safety and well-being of both your child and the parents
- The quality of your child’s education
- The time each parent spends with the child
- Proximity of the parents’ homes
- Parental work responsibilities
In short, your ability to relocate depends on one critical question: is relocation in your child’s best interest?
Moves that disrupt existing custody arrangements or harm your child’s stability are unlikely to be approved.
Thinking of relocating with your child? Reach out to me. I am a relocation lawyer in Morristown, NJ, who can help you navigate challenges.
Why Does the Law Make Relocating With Your Child So Difficult?
The law isn’t designed to frustrate you. It’s built to protect your child. Relocating a child can profoundly affect their emotional and social well-being. Consider how relocation might strain their relationship with the parent left behind and disrupt their friendships and school environment.
When courts look at relocation requests, their main concern is your child’s overall well-being. They’re trying to ensure the move won’t cause more harm than good.
If you believe the relocation of your child with the other parent is not in their interest and will hurt your bond with them, talk to us. As a Morris County child relocation attorney, I am here to help protect both your interests and your child’s best interests.
How a Morris County Child Relocation Attorney Can Help You Resolve Child Relocation Disputes
When relocation disputes arise, you need an advocate who understands your unique situation and knows how to fight for your family’s best outcome. Here’s how I can help:
For Parents Looking to Relocate
- Building a case that demonstrates why the move benefits your child’s best interests
- Negotiating custody modifications to make relocation feasible
- Representing you in court if an agreement isn’t possible
For Parents Opposing Relocation
- Highlighting how the move would negatively affect your child’s stability and relationship with you
- Fighting in court to maintain or adjust custody arrangements to protect your child’s best interests
- Advocating against relocation in court
Having a dispute over child relocation? Contact me. I am a Morris County child relocation attorney who is ready to help you resolve it.
Why Choose M. Hart Divorce & Family Law for Your Child Relocation Dispute?
I'm not like other family law attorneys. I truly understand the challenges you're facing because I experienced divorce as a child. This gives me a special understanding and empathy when it comes to child relocation cases.
I know that constant fighting hurts everyone, especially children. That's why I try to find solutions that work for everyone. I give you the tools and support you need to reach an agreement as quickly and cost-effectively as possible. If we can't find a peaceful solution, I fight hard to protect your rights and your child's future.
Here's what you can expect when you choose me as your relocation lawyer in Morristown, NJ:
- I understand your goals and what's most important to you.
- I clearly explain all of your options at each step.
- I help you stay focused, even when things get emotional.
- I find creative solutions that work for your unique situation.
With over 30 years of experience helping families in Morris County, I've helped many parents navigate complex child relocation disputes.
Learn how I’ve supported families during their toughest times:
“Contacting Michele Hart was the best decision I could have made. When I found myself in what looked like an impossible situation, Michele was able to discern the facts while moving quickly to negotiate the best possible outcome. Throughout the process Michele was always respectful of my concerns, attentive and supportive.
Her communication skills are simply outstanding, I never felt misunderstood or was left waiting for answers. I can not express enough how refreshing it was to work with such a professional like Michele Hart, who knew exactly what to do, and then actually demonstrated the ability to get that exact job done!
No excuses, no unfulfilled promises.
Thank you Michele for a justified and painless conclusion to this chapter in my life” - Brian Walker
Your child needs the love and support of both parents to thrive. Discuss your case with a relocation lawyer in Morristown, NJ, today.
Contact a Morris County Child Relocation Attorney at M. Hart Divorce & Family Law Today for an Initial Case Evaluation
I understand how relocation decisions can impact your life.
If you’re seeking to relocate, it can feel like your future hangs in the balance. If you’re opposing a move, it’s emotionally draining to think about losing time with your child. Whatever your situation, discuss it with me.
For help from a child relocation attorney in Morris County, contact M. Hart Divorce & Family Law online or call 973-292-9090 today.