Custody & Kidnapping

Generally, if someone writes to us to ask us how they can move out of state, we provide some general information about how if there is a current custody order, generally a person may have to get the judge’s permission to move (unless the state has another method for notifying the other parent). When asking a judge for permission, often the person may have to show how it is in the children’s best interest to move and one major factor the judges often consider is how the move would affect the father’s time with the child.

However, in your case, you said the father was given no visitation and no contact – was this intended to be permanent. Or was he given no visitation during your protection order but he can reapply afterwards? I don’t know whether the outcome would be different depending on your answer to those questions or not. You may want to ask an attorney if you may still have to apply for permission to move based on the specifics of your situation. As I said, I cannot tell you whether you can or can’t move since we only give legal information but cannot advise anyone on what they legally can or cannot do. You may want to call a lawyer who specializes in custody to ask advice. Here is a link for lawyers, free and paid:LINK Another option may be to call the Legal Resource Center for Violence Against Women, which specializes in interstate custody matters for abused women. They may be able to connect you with an attorney in your current state who can advise you about the state’s laws on parental kidnapping. Their number is 301-270-1550.