A bill for an act relating to relocation of a minor child's residence outside the minor child's established school district.
Impact
The bill stipulates that such relocations should be considered a substantial change in circumstances that require a court review. The burden of proof in demonstrating that the relocation is in the best interest of the child falls on the relocating parent. This focus shifts the court's consideration towards ensuring maximum continuous physical and emotional contact with both parents, rather than solely weighing the advantages of the move for the relocating parent. This could significantly influence custody determinations in similar cases.
Summary
Senate File 114 addresses the relocation of a minor child's residence outside of their established school district, specifically for custodial arrangements. The bill mandates that a relocating parent provided a 60-day advance written notice to both the court and the non-relocating parent. This requirement applies when the intended move results in relocating the child outside their established school district, enabling judicial assessment regarding any potential impact on the child's custody arrangements.
Contention
Notably, the bill presents points of contention regarding parental rights and the implications of relocation on child custody. While proponents argue it safeguards the emotional stability of children by necessitating judicial oversight for relocations, opponents may contend that it adds unnecessary hurdles for parents seeking to change locations, especially for employment or family reasons. Furthermore, the requisite court hearings could create additional legal expenses and complexities for parents navigating custody matters.