• You have to give notice to your ex-husband.
• Even if you just have visitation rights, you have to give him notice.

How do I give notice?

You have to send a letter by certified mail.

When do I give notice?

• You have to send the certified letter at least 45 days before you move.
• If you have to move unexpectedly, you need to give as much notice as you can. You may have to explain to a Court why you could not give 45-day notice.

What do I have to put in the notice?

• Your new street address and mailing address (post office box if you have one) and new telephone number
• Name, address and phone number of the child's new school
• Date you plan to move
• Your specific reasons for changing your child's principal residence
• Your suggested changes of custody or visitation
• A warning to the non-relocating person that any objection to the relocation must be made within 30 days of receipt of the notice

What if I don't know the addresses and phone numbers?

• Try to get as much information as you can and put it in your notice.
• When you learn the rest of the information, you have to send it in another certified mail letter.

Can my ex-husband stop me from moving?

• He can try. He may have the right to file papers in Court saying he does not want you to move the child farther from him. It depends on how far from your ex-husband the move will take you.
• If you want to move out of state, he can object to you moving with the child – even if you just move a short distance.
• If the move is going to take you more than 60 miles from him, he can object to you moving with the child.
• If he has already moved more than 60 miles from you, he can object to any move that would increase the distance between you and him. For example, if he moves to Atlanta, he could object if you want to move to a new home west of where you now live.

What happens if he files papers?

• The Court will hold a hearing.
• After the hearing, the Court will decide if you can keep your child if you move.

What do I need to show in Court?

• The Court will make you show that the move is best for your child.
• If you can't show this, your ex-husband will probably get custody if you move.

How can I show the move helps my child?

• There is no easy answer to this important question.
• You will have to point to some specific way your child will be better off.
• This could be you being able to get more of what your child needs, because you can get a better-paying job.
• It helps to show your child would be in a better school.
• It helps if you show it would be safer for your child.
• It helps if you show you will have a better family network.
• You will also need to show that you are not making the move just to make it harder for your child to spend time with his or her father.

What if he abused me during the marriage?

• The court can make some exceptions if your ex-husband abused you.
• It can do away with the need for you to give notice before moving.
• At the least, the Court should make it harder for your ex-husband to get custody because you move.

What happens if I move and don't send the notice?

• The Court may use this as a reason for changing custody.
• The Court can make you pay the increased visitation costs.
• The Court can even reduce the child support you get.