Child Relocation Lawyer 

Specialist Legal Support for Domestic and International Child Relocation from the Experienced Team at RJS Family Law.

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Relocation after a divorce isn’t just a legal decision, it’s often a deeply personal one. When family circumstances require moving with your children, navigating the legal requirements can be complex and emotionally challenging. 

 

At RJS Family Law, our specialist child relocation lawyer team provides expert guidance on domestic moves and international relocations, ensuring your children's best interests remain at the heart of every decision. With over 22 years of experience in Family Law, we understand the sensitive nature of relocation cases. 

Understanding Child Relocation Law

Child relocation law governs when and how a parent can move with their children after separation or divorce. If a parent wishes to move a child permanently out of the UK, they must obtain either: 

  • Written consent of every person who has parental responsibility for the child, or

  • Permission from the family court. 

Our child relocation lawyer team helps navigate these complex legal requirements and advise on the best course of action for your specific circumstances. 

There are important distinctions in the legal framework depending on the type of move: 

  • Internal UK Relocation: Moving within England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland 

  • International Relocation: Moving outside the UK jurisdiction 

  • Temporary vs Permanent Moves: Different rules apply for holidays, extended visits, and permanent relocations 

Moving a child abroad without consent or a court order may be considered child abduction, which is a criminal offence. It’s vital to understand your rights and responsibilities before making any decisions. 

Child Relocation Lawyer Services 

As your dedicated child relocation lawyer, we provide comprehensive legal support for all aspects of domestic and international relocation: 

  • Applications for court permission to relocate with children 

  • Negotiating or formalising parental consent agreements for proposed moves 

  • Challenging proposed relocation or preventing unauthorised moves 

  • Emergency court applications to prevent child removal 

  • Advising on international custody jurisdiction issues 

  • Hague Convention compliance and child abduction matters 

  • Immigration and visa considerations for relocating families 

Common Reasons for Child Relocation 

Families choose to relocate for many different reasons, from simply wanting to return to a hometown, be it in a different country, or for a better quality of life. While every relocation case is unique, some of the common situations we help with include: 

  •  Domestic UK Relocation: While primary carers don't technically need permission to relocate within the UK, practical considerations such as continuing to facilitate contact with the other parent need careful consideration. 

  • International Moves: Seeking court permission or parental consent for permanent moves outside the UK jurisdiction. 

  • Work-Related Relocations: Career opportunities requiring family relocation and balancing professional needs with children's welfare. 

  • New Relationship Relocations: Moving to be closer to a new partner while maintaining children's relationships with both parents. 

  • Emergency Relocations: Urgent moves due to domestic violence, safety concerns, or other exceptional circumstances. 

  • Post-Divorce Fresh Starts: Relocating to rebuild life after relationship breakdown while preserving children's stability. 

Where possible, we encourage parents to reach an agreement about relocation through discussion, mediation, or solicitor-supported negotiation. This helps reduce stress and cost while keeping the child’s stability the main focus. Even when both parents agree in principle, the legal details must still be handled carefully and fairly. If an agreement can’t be reached, the parent wishing to relocate must apply to the court for permission. 

Relocation Factors Considered by Courts  

Relocation cases can be legally and emotionally complex, often feeling like a “win or lose” situation. However, for the court, there is only one guiding principle: the child’s welfare. 

When considering relocation applications, the court will assess a range of factors to ensure decisions are in the child’s best interests, including: 

  • The child's emotional, educational, and physical needs. 

  • How relocation will impact the child's relationship with the non-relocating parent and extended family. 

  • Whether the move is motivated by genuine reasons such as employment, education, or family support. 

  • Practicality of proposed contact schedules, travel costs, and maintaining ongoing relationships. 

  • Whether the relocation supports the child’s overall stability and development. 

Relocation can also impact existing Child Arrangement Orders or maintenance agreements. If a move changes how often a child sees the other parent, financial contributions or living arrangements may need to be reviewed. 

We can help ensure all arrangements remain fair, practical, and legally sound, protecting both your rights and your child’s wellbeing. 

Urgent Concerns About Unauthorised Child Relocation 

If you’re worried your ex-partner may try to take your child abroad without your consent, it’s vital to act quickly. RJS Family Law can provide immediate legal support to help safeguard your child and prevent unlawful travel. 

We can help you: 

  • Apply for a Prohibited Steps Order to prevent the move 

  • Request that your child’s passport is surrendered or securely retained 

  • Apply for airport or port alerts to stop unauthorised travel 

  • Begin proceedings under the Hague Convention in cases of international child abduction 

Our experienced team handles these sensitive, time-critical situations with calm, urgency, and care, ensuring your child’s safety remains the top priority. 

Why Choose RJS Family Law as Your Relocation Lawyer? 

Our approach to child relocation cases is grounded in empathy, expertise, and a deep understanding of family dynamics. Here's what sets our child relocation lawyer team apart: 

  • Relocation Law Specialists: Focused expertise in the complex area of child relocation law, both domestic and international. 

  • Personalised Approach: Understanding that every family's relocation circumstances are unique and require tailored legal strategies. 

  • Comprehensive End-to-End Support: From initial advice through final court orders, we handle every aspect of your relocation legal needs and are with you every step of the way. 

  • Free Initial Consultation: Meet our relocation lawyer team and discuss your situation without any upfront costs. 

  • Accessible Location: Convenient office access with free parking, avoiding the complications of city center travel. 

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Case Study

  • “Rachel at RJS has been nothing but helpful in helping me gain a prenup prior to my marriage. She's explained everything in great detail, been honest about my options and dome everything in a timely manner. Can't thank her enough, highly recommend.”

    Leah

  • “Rachel is absolutely brilliant. She has given me the best advice during the last 9 months dealing with the Financial Remedy in conjunction with my divorce. Not only has she had to have the patience of a saint to deal with me, she has been so professional and diligent dealing with the other side who have been a nightmare throughout the whole process.

    I would have no problem in recommending Rachel if you need a solicitor to deal with a marriage break up and/or financial settlement. She is first class and full value for the money.”

    Ian

  • “Rachel helped reduce the stress of a very difficult and complex divorce whilst keeping the costs to a minimum. Always helpful and understood the complexities of a controlling relationship.”

    Julia

For more detailed information or to start your process, contact us today.

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FAQs

  • There is no legal requirement to seek consent from all those with parental responsibility to relocate within the UK. However, you must still consider how the move affects existing Child Arrangement Orders and the other parent's contact with the children. 

  • In England & Wales a parent is not allowed to remove children from this jurisdiction unless the other parent with parental responsibility consents or the family court has given permission.  

  • Relocation applications typically take 4-8 months from application to final hearing, depending on complexity. Simple cases with broad parental agreement may resolve faster, while complex international relocations or contested applications can take longer, especially if expert reports or international legal considerations are involved. 

  • If the other parent refuses consent, you'll need to apply to the court for permission to relocate. The court will consider all factors affecting the child's welfare, including your reasons for moving and how to maintain the child's relationship with the other parent.  

  • Yes, you can oppose a relocation application if you believe the move is not in your children's best interests. No one can relocate a child out of the jurisdiction without prior written consent or court permission. 

  • Courts consider the child's welfare as the paramount factor, including their relationship with both parents, educational opportunities, cultural factors, the genuine reasons for relocation, and practical arrangements for maintaining contact with the non-relocating parent.  

  • Yes, relocation orders can be varied if there's been a significant change in circumstances. This might include changes in the child's needs, parental circumstances, or if the planned arrangements aren't working in practice.  

  • This may constitute child abduction. We can advise on Hague Convention procedures, court applications for the children's return, and liaison with relevant authorities. Time is often critical in international child abduction cases.