The Court denied Respondent’s request to relocate out of state with the minor children and further denied Respondent’s alternative request to substantially modify the parties’ parenting plan. The Court determined that maintaining the established parenting arrangement was in the children’s best interests and preserved Petitioner’s equal parenting time rights. In addition, the Court found circumstances warranted an award of attorneys’ fees and costs to Petitioner. This result protected our client’s relationship with the children and prevented a significant disruption to the children’s stability and existing parenting structure.
Background & Key Facts:
The parties shared equal parenting time pursuant to existing court orders. Respondent sought Court Orders to move out of state with the minor children. The request would have substantially reduced Petitioner’s parenting time and altered the children’s long-standing schedule and routines. Recognizing the significant impact the proposed move would have on the parent-child relationship, Petitioner opposed the relocation. Respondent alternatively requested modifications to the parenting plan in the event the relocation request was denied. The matter proceeded through litigation and was ultimately decided by the Court after considering the evidence and statutory best-interest factors.
CASE / Strategy:
Our strategy focused on demonstrating the importance of preserving the children’s meaningful relationship with both parents and maintaining the stability provided by the existing equal parenting time arrangement. We presented evidence showing the proposed relocation was not in the children’s best interests and would significantly impair our client’s ability to maintain regular and substantial involvement in their lives. We also challenged Respondent’s alternative request to modify parenting time, emphasizing the absence of a sufficient basis to justify changes to the established schedule. By keeping the Court’s attention on the children’s best interests, continuity, and the value of ongoing involvement by both parents, we successfully protected our client’s parenting rights.
Client Impact:
This outcome allowed our client to continue exercising equal parenting time and remain actively involved in the day-to-day lives of the children. The Court’s ruling preserved the children’s established routines, school and community connections, and meaningful relationship with both parents. The award of attorneys’ fees and costs also helped offset the financial burden of defending against the relocation and modification requests.
Why This Win Matters:
Had Respondent’s requests been granted, our client would have lost substantial parenting time and faced significant barriers to maintaining a close and consistent relationship with the children. By successfully opposing both the relocation and proposed parenting plan modifications, we protected our client’s parental rights, preserved an equal parenting arrangement, and secured an award of attorneys’ fees and costs in his favor.
