Ex just told me she’s wants to move 3 hours away with son

The_Answer1313 · 2026-04-08T00:39:33+00:00

Every situation I guess is different but my lawyer when I mentioned I was worried about my ex leaving with my son basically said she cannot do that. It’s stipulated in our code in WV.

Went as far to say that if she moved, we’d fight for more than 50/50 and likely get it.

HistoricalRich280 · 2026-04-08T00:09:18+00:00

You will need an attorney guidance.

My immediate thought is if you have 50/50, I don’t see any reason judge would allow one parent to move w the kid out of state here. Not for her to date 🤷‍♂️

The only thing that gives me pause is that it sounds as though your kid is pre elementary… Once your kid is in school I feel like this is locked in.

But because your child hasnt started yet, if a move was going to happen now would be the time.

Say no way, get attorney, be consistent and reliable, don’t give up a drop of time. And drag out as slow as possible in hopes your kid could start school asap

darmitage55 · 2026-04-07T20:21:41+00:00

The fear you're feeling makes complete sense. One thing worth holding onto: courts take stability seriously, especially for kids about to start school. Your active involvement, the house, the coaching, the appointments - that record matters. Keep documenting everything. And whatever happens legally, your son knowing you showed up consistently is what protects him long-term.

MCB1317 · 2026-04-07T18:40:07+00:00

This is beyond reddit's paygrade.

Find an attorney. Now.

Ok-Cause1108 · 2026-04-07T17:30:05+00:00

She will have to give you written notice in advance. If you object (sounds like you will) then it will go to court for a hearing. The judge will weigh a lot of different factors and make a decision for you guys.

Definitely consult an attorney.

streetsmartwallaby · 2026-04-07T13:43:43+00:00

"No" is a complete sentence.

Make sure to get a lawyer. Judges hate change so you're likely going to prevail here.

FUMoney · 2026-04-07T11:58:08+00:00

She put it as she’d submit the motion for relocation, or whatever the technical term is if mediation didn’t work.

You already know it won't "work." She is going to lose. Start preparing for litigation. This is going to court, and you are going to fight. Accept it, now. Don't give in, ever. Prepare for battle, immediately.

PghSubie · 2026-04-07T09:34:18+00:00

What does your separation agreement say about custody arrangements?

QuoteDisastrous5224 · 2026-04-07T06:17:38+00:00

contact a lawyer as fast as possible and be ready for fight....she can't take him without your permision . . .

badskiier · 2026-04-07T05:52:09+00:00

What does your court order say? Mine specifically says no one can move the kids out of the county without agreement. If you don't have that thing memorized you should take a moment to reread it.

Shineynewflipflops · 2026-04-07T05:49:38+00:00

Have your ex read up on the UCCJEA. It’s federal and it’s meant to stop all this stupid nonsense. Tell her she moves him without going through the courts, she can be charged with kidnapping. Yes, you can press charges because it’s criminal. It’s also considered contempt of the custody order. You take her to family court, especially if she’s arrested, she’s in jeopardy of getting less favorable custody terms and could face fines and jail time. By the way, if you have to get a lawyer, she’ll pay attorney fees as well.

BigBossSnake_98 · 2026-04-07T05:47:05+00:00

Having been the child of a divorce and currently going through one, I’m pretty confident any state will bring the hammer down on a partner who tries to move a child out of state. Both my father and stepmother had to turn down job options that required them to relocate outside of Washoe County in Nevada because the courts pretty much told them that they would give my mother custody. Not even staying within the state and moving down to Clark County (Las Vegas) was acceptable in the court’s eyes.

I recently hired an attorney to help speed my divorce along and after I explained to her that my STBXW was heavily considering going to school in Kansas (we’re in Oklahoma)… the look on her face was borderline cartoonish in surprise. She pretty much told me no judge in the state would even consider a joint custody situation with her going out of state.

Last example, a female coworker and acquaintance of mine attempted to have her children relocated with her to OK from Michigan… no luck. Even with proven history of better quality care under her supervision, the mere fact she was divorced in Michigan meant that state maintains jurisdiction over the custody agreement.

Your son is about to enter K12. The last thing the state should (no promises cause I bet there’s lots of contradicting experiences in the group) want to happen is for your son to be uprooted from the place where he has begun to receive an education, established friendships, and become familiar with. Another life example, my sister in law has a custody arrangement with her daughter’s father. Due to the fact that he’s in California, SIL keeps daughter for 10 months out of the year (school year), father gets summers. That’s the only way I see this going for your son’s mom. She should’ve worried about the whole support system before the boyfriend and the looming K12 period in your son’s life.

Title	Ex just told me she’s wants to move 3 hours away with son
Author	ThrowMeAwayPlz_69
Upvotes	8
Comments	29
Date	April 7, 2026 5:28 AM UTC (3 months ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/Divorce_Men
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/Divorce_Men/comments/1sen23z/ex_just_told_me_shes_wants_to_move_3_hours_away/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/Divorce_Men/ex-just-told-me-shes-wants-to-move-3-hours-away.1577341 https://theredarchive.com/post/1577341

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