In the years after a divorce, it may be necessary for one or both parents to move, and, in some cases, a person may plan to actually move to another state. This can bring about problems, since a move may affect subjects such as parental responsibilities (also known as child custody) and parenting time. Oftentimes, both parents want to continue to be involved in their children's lives, but a move that puts significant distance between parents' residences may affect the parents’ ability to do so. If you are a parent considering a move out of Illinois after your divorce, or if you are concerned about how your ex-spouse's plans to relocate out-of-state will affect your relationship with your children, it is important to understand how Illinois laws will affect that subject.
Parental Relocation in Illinois
In the state of Illinois, a planned relocation by a parent must typically be approved by the court if it affects the custodial rights of one or both parents. In cases where a parent who plans to move has the majority of the parenting time with their children, or even when parents share equal parenting time, an out-of-state move will usually be considered a relocation. However, a parent may be able to move to a different state without seeking court approval if their new residence will be no more than 25 miles away from their current residence.
When a parent plans to relocate, legally they will first be required to notify the other parent, and they will also be encouraged to negotiate modifications to the existing parental responsibilities/child custody and/or parenting time arrangements. A written notification must be provided to the other parent at least 60 days before the expected moving date, unless plans to move are made within less than 60 days, in which case a notification should be sent as early as possible. The parents may then work together to determine how their existing parenting plan can be modified. If they are able to reach an agreement, the relocating parent needs to file the relocation notice with the court. A judge will review the agreed changes to parental responsibilities/child custody and parenting time/visitation, and, if they determine that these changes are in the children's best interests, the relocation request will be approved, and a court order will be entered to modify the couple's existing parenting plan.
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