Under Michigan’s Child Custody Act, whether you can move out of state with your child depends largely on your custody arrangement.
If you have sole legal custody, you may move without first petitioning the court. However, most parents share joint legal custody. In those cases, you must file a petition and obtain court approval before:
When deciding whether to allow the move, the court considers several legal factors known as the D’Onofrio factors. These factors focus on whether the proposed move will improve the quality of life for both the parent and the child, along with how the move will affect the child’s relationship with the other parent and parenting time arrangements.
Because relocation cases can significantly impact custody and parenting time, it is important to understand your rights and obligations before making any plans. An experienced family law attorney can guide you through the petition process and help present a strong case to the court.
