A divorcing couple will work hard to remove obstacles and achieve compromises on the path to their new, independent futures. From negotiations centering on property division and debt responsibility to those involving the parenting plan and visitation schedule, the couple often finds challenges around every corner. Unfortunately, even with these negotiations resolved, it is possible that future scenarios could necessitate a modification.
While the former spouses can modify numerous elements of the original divorce order, there are certain common situations that require new terms. Often, these modifications center on financial changes such as a promotion or the loss of a job that might require an alteration to monetary obligations. Parental relocation is another topic that will likely trigger a revision.
What is parental relocation?
As the world continues to shrink and the internet opens numerous job opportunities that might have been hidden in the past, it is common for divorced parents to wish to move. A former spouse might need to move for one of several reasons, including:
- New job opportunity: Whether this means relocating for a new position in the same organization or taking on a new job several hundred miles away, it is not uncommon for people to move far away for a new job opportunity.
- New educational opportunity: Even with the prevalence of online coursework, some parents find it necessary to move to further their education. Unfortunately, this could make the current parenting plan impossible without revisions.
- Moving closer to family: After a divorce, it is not uncommon for individuals to choose to be closer to their family. Whether this is for moral support, financial support or simply a reflection of a fresh start, it will likely necessitate changes to certain provisions in the divorce order.
While some parents might attempt to work these details out on their own, the best solution is to work through the legal system. It might seem more efficient to simply come to a verbal agreement, but these compromises are not legally binding. As such, if one party breaks the terms of the agreement, they cannot be held legally accountable for their actions. It is better to work through the legal process to reach a conclusion.
