What You Should Know About Moving with Children After a Divorce

1. WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT MOVING WITH CHILDREN AFTER A DIVORCE

2. Keeping the family home after a divorce is not always the best option for either the spouses or the children. Custodial parents may need to find a new residence for themselves and their children in this situation. However, moving out of a family home and into a new setting can be stressful for children of any age—especially given the other upheavals they face due to their parent's divorce. Moving to a new home with children is not easy, but here are some measures that parents can adopt to make the transition easier for everyone involved.

3. Study the Post-Divorce Relocation Laws in Your State Parents who wish to relocate their children away from their family home following a divorce should study their state's laws. After all, every state has its own set of rules for relocating with children following a divorce. Some states, for example, require the custodial parent to notify the non-custodial parent in writing of the relocation to allow them to challenge the move in court, whereas others do not require notification unless the relocation is out of state. So be prepared to ensure that the relocation goes smoothly from a legal standpoint.

4. Equity in the Property One spouse may need to buy out the other spouse's equity in the property to keep the family home—this may entail a cash payment or the surrender of other jointly owned assets. It may be possible to refinance the mortgage for an amount greater than the mortgage balance and use the funds to pay the other spouse for their equity in the home. Keeping the family home can bring stability in an otherwise chaotic situation. Following a divorce, an ex-spouse may choose to keep the home for a short period before making a long-term decision after adjusting to the new lifestyle. Others may decide that selling the house is the best option because of the unpleasant memories it harbors. Sometimes it is best to start over.

5. Consult with a Family Court Lawyer Selling the family home may seem to put the divorced couple in a better financial position by providing cash for a down payment on an individual residence. However, this will not always be the best choice. Every divorcing couple must consult with an attorney and a realtor to appraise the market worth of their home and the costs associated with selling the house and then reduce the mortgage balance from this amount. This will give them a clearer picture. So it is time to ask yourself, "who are the best family court lawyers near me?"

6. Stay Positive Even if unresolved issues are causing the parents anxiety, the relocation must be portrayed as a positive experience. Be honest with your kids when you tell them about their lifestyle changes—such as moving to a new school—and be confident and optimistic about reassuring them that everything will be fine. Don't forget to acknowledge their feelings and hesitations during this transitional phase, letting them know it is okay to be sad. Maintain a positive attitude during the relocation process while also allowing the children to express their feelings. Lastly, remember to consult with a Nassau County divorce lawyer to safeguard your parental rights.