Relocation (Move Away) – NC Child Custody
Quick answer: Can a parent move with a child in North Carolina? Not if the move would break an existing custody order. You need the other parent’s written consent or a court order modifying custody. Judges decide relocation on the child’s best interests—looking at stability, school, safety, and how each parent will support the child’s relationship with the other.
Plan the move—or stop one—without chaos. We file fast, present clean evidence, and propose practical schedules and travel terms that schools and agencies can follow.
Your North Carolina Relocation Lawyer
Krispen Culbertson, North Carolina family lawyer with 20+ years handling relocation and move-away cases: modification strategy, long-distance parenting plans, UCCJEA jurisdiction, school transfer logistics, and orders airlines, schools, and police will follow.
Memberships: North Carolina State Bar; local family law sections. Courts: District Court calendars statewide with regular hearings in Guilford County.
Start by situation
Fast answers
No self-help: Don’t relocate in a way that breaks your order. Get written consent or a court modification first.
Best-interests test: Judges weigh stability, school impact, caregiving history, distance, cost, and each parent’s support of the child’s relationship with the other.
File early: Courts prefer status quo for kids. A timely motion protects you and sets a clear plan.
Interstate moves: We confirm UCCJEA jurisdiction and, if needed, register out-of-state orders before enforcement or modification.
Relocation by agreement
When both parents agree, we draft a Consent Order with the new address, school, travel windows, cost-sharing, virtual time, and holiday/summer rotations so everyone—including schools and airlines—knows the plan.
Modify custody to relocate
To relocate against opposition, we file to modify custody and show a material change in circumstances and that the move serves the child’s best interests. Evidence focuses on housing, school fit, caregiving support, safety, and a workable long-distance schedule.
Oppose a relocation
We highlight stability in the current plan, ties to school and community, travel burdens, and realistic alternatives (e.g., expanded summers) that preserve relationships without a disruptive move.
Long-distance parenting schedules & travel
- Core models: school-year with expanded summer; 2–3 long weekends per term; or alternating breaks with extended virtual time.
- Travel costs: clear split rules, ticket purchase windows, airline escort options, and backup plans for delays.
- Virtual time: set days, time zones, and device logistics to keep contact consistent.
School transfers, healthcare, and records
Orders should name the school, authorize records access, and give release language for doctors and counselors. We coordinate with administrators so your order is honored from day one.
Safety-based moves (50B/50C)
If the move is driven by safety, we align with any 50B protective order or 50C no-contact order: sealed addresses where appropriate, protected exchanges, and narrow disclosures that keep the child safe.
UCCJEA and interstate coordination
We confirm “home state” jurisdiction, register foreign orders if needed, and—when courts in two states are involved—request judge-to-judge communication to avoid conflicting rulings.
Temporary orders & timelines
We can request a short-term schedule, travel rules, and information sharing while the case is pending, keeping the routine steady and the case moving.
What to bring and your first 72 hours
Documents checklist
- Current custody order(s) and any later changes
- Proof about the new location (housing, job offer, childcare, school data)
- Child’s school records, attendance, activities, and support network
- Travel plan: flight options, costs, drive times, backup caregivers
Your first 72 hours with our team
1) Jurisdiction & order audit
Confirm UCCJEA home state and enforceability.
2) Evidence map
School fit, housing, caregiving, safety, and travel logistics.
3) Filing strategy
Consent order or motion to modify; temporary asks if needed.
4) Schedule models
Long-distance plan with cost-sharing and virtual time.
5) Agency-ready language
Clear directives for schools, doctors, and airlines.
FAQs
Can I move before I get a new court order?
Does an in-state move require a modification?
Will the judge consider my child’s preference?
Who pays for travel?
Do I need to register an out-of-state order?
How long will the case take?
Why North Carolina families choose Culbertson & Associates
- 20+ years in relocation and long-distance custody
- Agency-ready orders schools and airlines will follow
- UCCJEA, interstate coordination, and clean filings
- Settlement-first; ready for focused hearings
Client reviews
A. Benton — “K.E. Culbertson built a realistic long-distance plan and the judge approved it. School and travel have been smooth.”
M. Fields — “Mr. Culbertson opposed a rushed move and kept our child’s routine stable. Clear evidence, steady strategy.”
T. Nguyen — “We got a consent order with cost-sharing, virtual time, and airline rules. No confusion at the gate.”
S. Ortiz — “Culbertson and Associates handled UCCJEA issues and registered our old order so enforcement worked here.”
L. Carter — “The schedule models made sense for school. The judge appreciated the practical approach.”
J. Ahmed — “Fast filing, clean exhibits, and a temporary plan that kept things calm while we waited for court.”
Visit Our Greensboro Office
Culbertson & Associates
315 Spring Garden St Ste #300, Greensboro, NC 27401
(336) 272-4299 • culbertsonatlaw.com
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5:00 PM • Area served: North Carolina
Related resources: North Carolina Child Custody
No Comments
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.