Relocation

Sometimes parents seek to move far enough away that it would require modifying a parenting access schedule. Reasons for this often include moving due to an employment opportunity or to be closer to family, among other things. In the event a parent is relocating and that relocation has a substantial impact on a parenting schedule, there are several steps a parent must take if they are seeking to relocate a child with them. Parental relocation is governed by a specific statute (46b-56d) that states a party must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that a proposed relocation is (1) for a legitimate purpose; (2) the proposed relocation is reasonable in light of such purposes; and (3) the relocation is in the best interests of a child.

In making such a determination, the Court also considers: each parent’s reason for seeking or opposing the relocation; the quality of the relationship between the child and each parent; the impact of the relocation on the quality of the child’s future contact with the non-relocating parent; the degree to which the relocating parent’s and the child’s life will be enhanced economically, emotionally, and educationally by the relocation; and the feasibility of preserving the relationship between the non-relocation parent and the child through suitable visitation arrangements.