Child relocation – how to prepare your case

Child relocation cases are difficult, often finely balanced, with everything to win and everything to lose.  They are expensive to run and require detailed preparation by the parent wishing to relocate.

Before you even take legal advice I suggest you research the following matters:-

• Housing in your new location
• Existing ties, family and friends in the new location
• Quality of healthcare
• Your employment prospects and financial considerations
• The quality of education for your child(ren) and the ease of entering the new education system
• Any language issues
• Visas and immigration issues. Think Brexit!
• The political situation, stability and safety in the proposed new country
• Transport links between the new country and the old country
• New relationships of significance e.g. future stepfathers/mothers
• The child’s wishes and feelings
• Would the other parent relocate?
• The effect on you if you are refused permission to relocate
• A slightly technical matter but is the new country a signatory to the Hague Convention 1996 and will it be possible to obtain a mirror order in the court of the new country?

If you make the application you will be obliged to file a detailed statement which requires careful drafting.  It will be typical to attach to it:-

• School brochures and the equivalent of any Ofsted reports
• A map – accommodation by reference to location of airport, school, public transport, nearest town
• Transport schedules, details of flights to and from the old new location, frequency of flights, flight costs, links with trains and other transport
• Housing particulars
• Evidence of employment prospects
• Evidence of mirror orders (if applicable) although I strongly recommend your solicitor assists you in this regard.

It follows that the statement must be carefully presented, subdivided and well written.  I suggest presenting the proposal in a lever arch file which would normally be sent to the other parent prior to issuing the application with the court.

Kim Beatson specialises in child relocation work.  Please contact her for more information on 0207 940 4011 or kbx@anthonygold.co.uk.