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EspañolIf a custody order is already in place, how can I get it changed?
To change a custody or visitation order that is already in place, you need to file for a modification of the custody order in court. Generally, for the court to grant you a change in custody or visitation, you need to show that there has been a significant change in circumstances since your last hearing. Since this can be complicated, we recommend that you talk to a lawyer about your situation.
If there is a custody order in place, can I take my kids out of the state?
The custody order may allow you to take your child out of the state, prohibit you from taking your child out of the state, or it may not address this issue at all. If it does not address the issue, you may need either the consent of the other parent or permission from the judge. The judge may require that you post a bond or other security conditioned upon the return of the child to the state.1
If you would like to move to another state with your child, then you may have to ask the court’s permission (called a removal application). If you and the other parent share custody, and you want to move to another state with your child, then the court views this as if you had asked for a modification of custody. This means that the judge will look at this in the same way as if you had asked the court to take custody away from the other parent and give it to you. To get custody modified, you must convince the judge that there is “a substantial change in circumstances from the time the current custody arrangement was established,” and that a transfer of custody would be in the best interest of your child.1
If you have physical custody of your child and the other parent has visitation, then you must prove to the court that:
- you have a “good faith” motive in moving – it’s not to make visitation harder for the other parent; and
- the move will not go against what is in the best interest of your child.
When a court considers this, it will look at how changes in visitation may affect the best interest of your child. You may also have to give a plan for proposed visitation.
Some factors that the court may look at to decide if you will be given permission to relocate are:
- reasons for the move;
- reasons for the other parent’s opposition to your move;
- how the past history of the parties affects the reasons for and against the move;
- whether the child will receive educational, health, and leisure opportunities that are as good as the ones s/he has now;
- any special needs or talents of the child that require specialized help and whether that help is available in the new location;
- whether a visitation and communication schedule can be developed that will allow the noncustodial parent to maintain a full and continuous relationship with the child;
- the likelihood that the custodial parent will continue to encourage the relationship of the child with the noncustodial parent;
- the effect of the move on extended family relationships;
- the child’s preference if s/he is mature enough to express it;
- whether the child is entering senior year in high school;
- whether the noncustodial parent has the ability to relocate; and
- any other factor bearing on the child’s interest.
Not all of these factors will be relevant or given equal weight by the court.2
1 N.J. Stat. § 9:2-2
2Baures v. Lewis, 167 N.J. 91, 770 A.2d 214 (Supr Ct 2001)
The other parent took the kids out of state without my permission, what can I do?
It depends. Generally, you cannot take your kids out of the state, even for a short period of time, without the other parent’s permission, unless the court order specifically says you can. If your court order does not address this issue, then the other parent is likely not allowed to leave the state with your child, unless you give him permission. If the other parent takes the kids out of state without your permission or the permission of a judge, you may be able to file for contempt of the custody order.1
If you have a custody/visitation order in place and the other parent tries to hide your child in violation of the custody or visitation order, he might be charged with what is called “interference with custody.” This is true whether the other parent leaves the state with your child or not.2
1 N.J. Stat. § 9:2-2
2 N.J. Stat. § 2C:13-4
Can a parent who does not have custody have access to the child's records?
Both parents will have access to the child’s records, even if the child lives with only one parent. These records include information about the child’s medical, dental, educational care, insurance and child care. These records won’t include where either parent lives. If you don’t want the other parent to see these records, you may ask the court for a hearing to limit the other parent’s access. A judge will limit access if s/he decides that it would be in the best interest of your child, or if the other parent is using access to the records to harm you.1
1 N.J. Stat. §9:2-4.2
If I move to a new state, can I transfer my child custody case there?
After a final custody order is issued, there may come a time when you and your children move to a different state. For information about how to request to transfer the custody case to a new state, please go to the Transferring a custody case to a different state section in our general Custody page. However, it’s important to keep in mind that you may likely first need to get permission from the court or from the other parent to move your children out of state. Please talk to a lawyer to make sure your plans to move don’t violate your custody order or your state’s parental kidnapping laws.
