English
EspañolWhat do I have to do if I want to move with my child?
First, it’s a good idea to figure out the custody and visitation order you already have says anything about moving. Depending on how far you’re going, you may need to file in court to change your order. You might need the judge’s permission to move. In Iowa, moving 150 miles or more away from where the child lived when you got your order may be a substantial change in circumstances for the purposes of changing your order.1
If the other parent does not agree with your plan, s/he can try to convince the judge that moving is not in your child’s best interest.2
If the judge agrees to let you move, the judge can change the order to keep your child’s relationship with the other parent intact. For example, the judge can include in the order:
- longer visits with the other parent during the child’s summer vacations and school breaks;
- scheduled telephone calls for the other parent and the child;
- either or both parents to transport the child for visitation; and
- a requirement for you to post a cash bond to make sure you follow the visitation order. This might happen if the judge believes you interfered with the child’s access to the other parent in the past.1
1 Iowa Code § 598.21D
2 In re Marriage of Lower, 269 N.W. 2d 822 (Iowa 1978)
