Child Relocation Solicitors
Moving with children after separation requires careful legal planning. Our family law team advises on relocation applications, international moves, and preventing child abduction.
Speak to a SolicitorCan I Move Abroad with My Children?
If you share parental responsibility for your children, you cannot take them to live abroad permanently without either the written consent of all those with parental responsibility or a court order permitting the move. Doing so without permission may constitute child abduction under the Child Abduction Act 1984.
The court will consider the welfare of the child as the paramount consideration. It will weigh the benefits of the proposed move against the impact on the child's relationship with the non-relocating parent.
UK Relocation
Moving within England and Wales with children is generally permitted, but if it significantly affects existing contact arrangements, the other parent may apply to the court. Moving to Scotland or Northern Ireland is treated similarly to international relocation and may require court approval.
How We Can Help
- Advising on whether you need court permission to relocate
- Preparing and presenting relocation applications to the court
- Negotiating contact arrangements to support a relocation application
- Opposing relocation applications where the move is not in the child's best interests
- Emergency applications to prevent unlawful removal of children
- Advice on the Hague Convention on international child abduction