Relocation Lawyer Bellevue

For parents navigating custody after separation or divorce, few issues are more complicated or emotionally charged than relocation. Whether you are hoping to move with your child or need to challenge a proposed move, a relocation case can redefine the parenting plan and reshape the entire family dynamic. At Enright Family Law, we support modern families in Bellevue through every stage of the relocation process—always keeping your child’s best interests at the center of the strategy.

Relocation cases, sometimes referred to as move-away cases, involve more than just changing an address. They often mean changing schools, communities, and the time a child spends with each parent. Because of the legal and emotional weight of these decisions, courts evaluate them carefully—and you need an experienced relocation lawyer to present a clear and compelling case. With offices in San Diego and Bellevue, we are happy to help you with your family law case.

What Is a Relocation Case?

A relocation case arises when one parent who has custody or residential time wants to move with the child in a way that affects the other parent’s visitation or parenting time. In Washington State, if a parent with the majority of residential time intends to move, they must provide notice to the other parent under the Relocation Act (RCW 26.09.430–480).

Relocation can apply to moves across the state, out of state, or even to a different school district if it significantly disrupts the current parenting plan.

When Is Notice Required?

Under Washington law, the parent intending to move must:

• Provide written notice at least 60 days in advance of the intended move
• Serve notice to any person with court-ordered residential time or visitation
• Include details of the proposed move, including the new address, school district, and reasons for the move

Once notice is received, the other parent has 30 days to file an objection with the court. If no objection is filed, the move may proceed. If an objection is filed, a formal relocation hearing will be scheduled.

What the Court Considers in a Relocation Case

Washington courts do not automatically approve or deny relocation requests. Instead, the court evaluates several factors under RCW 26.09.520, including:

• The relative strength and stability of the child’s relationship with each parent
• The impact of the move on the child’s development, education, and relationships
• The reason for the relocation, including employment, education, or family support
• The presence of extended family in the new and current locations
• The availability of alternative arrangements to preserve the other parent’s time
• The good faith of the relocating parent
• Whether the objecting parent has complied with the current parenting plan

The court’s ultimate goal is to determine what outcome serves the best interest of the child—not just what’s most convenient or desirable for either parent.

Requesting or Opposing a Relocation

Whether you are requesting a move or objecting to one, the process is legally intensive. As your relocation lawyer in Bellevue, Enright Family Law helps you navigate each step:

If You Are Requesting a Relocation:

• Draft and serve the relocation notice in compliance with state law
• File a Motion for Relocation with supporting declarations
• Prepare a proposed revised parenting plan that offers continued contact with the other parent
• Present evidence showing how the move benefits the child and is made in good faith

If You Are Opposing a Relocation:

• File an objection within 30 days of receiving notice
• Submit declarations explaining why the move is not in the child’s best interest
• Propose an alternative parenting plan if needed
• Prepare for a relocation trial if the case cannot be resolved through negotiation

Relocation cases often involve mediation, custody evaluations, and significant court hearings. Whether you’re the moving or opposing parent, preparation is key.

Challenges Unique to Modern Families

Today’s families often face additional complexities that require thoughtful legal strategies:

• Unmarried co-parents with evolving parenting arrangements
• LGBTQ+ parents managing unique legal considerations around parentage
• Military or remote workers requiring flexible long-distance parenting solutions
• Blended families with overlapping custody schedules
• Parents balancing career advancement with custody responsibilities

At Enright Family Law, we don’t just apply legal standards—we take the time to understand your family’s real-life situation and design a strategy that works in court and in daily life.

Does Relocation Mean a Change in Custody?

Not always—but it can. If a court determines that the relocation is not in the child’s best interest, it may modify the parenting plan and assign primary residential placement to the non-moving parent. In some cases, a move can trigger a full custody modification hearing.

This is why it’s critical to have legal representation from the start. A well-prepared request or objection can make the difference between maintaining your current relationship with your child or seeing it dramatically altered.

Can Parents Agree to a Relocation Without Court?

Yes, if both parents agree to the move, they can sign and file a stipulated order with the court outlining the new terms of the parenting plan. Courts typically approve agreed-upon relocations unless they clearly harm the child.

We assist Bellevue clients with negotiating fair agreements, drafting revised parenting plans, and filing the necessary documents to make relocation official without a court battle.

What If the Other Parent Moves Without Permission?

Moving without following proper legal procedures can result in serious legal consequences, including:

• Contempt of court
• Emergency motions for the child’s return
• A change in custody
• Restrictions on future relocation rights

If your co-parent has moved with your child without notice or court approval, contact us immediately. We can help you take swift legal action to protect your parental rights.

Why Choose Enright Family Law?

Our clients choose us because we offer:

• Extensive experience in Washington relocation and custody law
• Creative strategies that reflect modern family realities
• Compassionate communication and child-first advocacy
• Strong courtroom representation when negotiations fail
• Tailored support for LGBTQ+ families, unmarried parents, and complex custody matters

Relocation cases require clear legal arguments, emotional insight, and strategic planning. That’s what we bring to every client relationship.

How We Can Help

At Enright Family Law, we help Bellevue families navigate the legal and emotional complexities of relocation and move-away cases with experience, empathy, and strategic clarity. Whether you are seeking to move with your child or protect your time as a parent, we work to create solutions that are grounded in the law and responsive to your family’s evolving needs.

We can help you:

• File or respond to relocation notices
• Draft or modify parenting plans
• Represent you in mediation or relocation hearings
• Advocate for your parental rights in high-conflict disputes
• Provide legal clarity on Washington’s Relocation Act

Contact Enright Family Law today to speak with a trusted relocation lawyer in Bellevue. We’re here to help you move forward—while protecting your connection with your child and your place in their life.