Parental relocation refers to a situation in which a parent wants to move to a different city or state with their child from a previous relationship. Such a parent will typically have a child custody agreement with the child’s other parent that is an enforceable court order—often included in the divorce decree or in another court order for child custody and support obligations (in a suit affecting parent-child relationship or SAPCR).

The reasons a parent may want to relocate include a new job opportunity, educational opportunities, or to be closer to family members who are able to assist with raising the child. The other parent’s failure to meet child custody or visitation obligations may be cited as a factor in support of the parental relocation.

Child custody agreements and court orders typically include geographic restrictions on the parents’ travel with the children and on relocation of the parents’ residences—limiting relocation to a certain number of miles from the child’s school district or the parents’ residence at the time of divorce, for example. These restrictions are designed to ensure both parents will have frequent and continuing contact with the child.

Geographic restrictions can be changed by agreement of the parents or by court order if the spouse seeking to relocate files a motion to modify the child custody order. If the parents are not able to agree on relocation terms the court will generally make the decision on whether to permit or deny relocation based on what is in the best interests of the child.

In Arizona, parental relocation is governed by state statutes that address the circumstances under which a parent may move with their child. When a parent with a child custody agreement wishes to relocate, they must adhere to the terms set forth in the agreement or court order, which often includes geographic restrictions. These restrictions are in place to ensure that both parents maintain frequent and continuing contact with the child. If a parent wants to relocate with the child to a new city or state, they must typically obtain the other parent's consent or seek a court order to modify the existing custody agreement. The court will consider the best interests of the child when deciding whether to allow the relocation. Factors such as new job opportunities, educational benefits, proximity to supportive family, or the other parent's failure to meet custody obligations may influence the court's decision. However, the primary consideration is always the child's well-being and the impact of the move on the child's relationship with both parents.