Can a parent with sole custody move away with the child?
Yes, a parent with sole custody in Washington can move away with the child. In Washington, when it comes to relocating with a child, the parent with sole custody is allowed to move within the state and across state lines. However, the parent must first obtain court approval for the move, which may include the other parent’s consent or a court order. When court approval is sought, the court will consider all relevant facts, including the best interests of the child. The factors the court will consider include the quality of the existing relationship between the child and each parent; the age, wishes, and needs of the child; the relative strength, nature, and stability of the child’s relationship with each parent; the distance of the move and the likely impact on the child; and any other factor the court finds relevant. If the parent wanting to move away can demonstrate that the move would benefit the child, the court is likely to approve the relocation. However, the court may also impose certain restrictions, such as requiring the parent to provide the other parent with reasonable visitation opportunities or requiring the parent to pay all or part of the other parent’s travel costs.
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