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Parental Relocation

Brooklyn Parental Relocation Lawyers

Serving Families Across New York City with Compassion

Parent packing moving box

In many instances, the significant life change of divorce is quickly followed by the desire to move to a different city or state. This may be due to a new job, the desire to be close to other family members, for financial reasons, or simply to start fresh.

Relocation is challenging when children are involved. Obviously, creating distance between the children and either parent can cause a logistical nightmare involving issues of transportation, cost, loss of access to children, and potentially a negative impact on the parent-child relationship.

Arnel Law Firm helps parents present or defend against a request to relocate. Our parental relocation attorneys in Brooklyn know how to build a compelling case to achieve your goals.

Discuss your situation with us during a free consultation – just call 718-550-3024.

Steps to Request Relocation in New York

In New York, a parent who wants to relocate with his or her child must notify the other parent in writing, stating where he or she plans to relocate, the reason for relocation, and a proposed parenting plan relative to the new relocation.

The court considers several factors when a custodial parent requests the right to relocate. Their highest priority is protecting the child’s best interests.

To determine whether relocation is in the child's best interest, the court will consider:

  • Reasons for the requested relocation
  • Reasons why the other parent objects to the proposed relocation
  • The history and quality of each parent's relationship with their child
  • Any previous parenting time order and compliance with that order
  • Educational and other opportunities for the child at the existing location and the proposed new location
  • Presence or absence of extended family both at the existing location and the proposed new location
  • Any advantages of remaining with the primary caregiver
  • The anticipated positive or negative impact the move may have on the child
  • Whether the court will be able to fashion a reasonable parenting time schedule if the requested change is permitted, including allocation of costs related to travel and lodging to visit the children

Winning Your Relocation Custody Case in New York

There are several determining factors that the judge will look at when choosing whether or not he or she deems relocation in the child's best interests, most importantly, the relationship between the child and the noncustodial parent. If the noncustodial parent is actively involved in the child's life, the court is less likely to allow relocation. If the noncustodial parent is particularly uninvolved in the child's life, the court is more likely to allow the move. Of course, a parent can decide to relinquish primary custody and relocate without the child – it is the relocation of the child that is problematic.

Navigating International Relocation Challenges

If one parent is a foreign national, a move could mean leaving the country. This obviously makes it more difficult for the noncustodial parent to spend time with his or her child. At Arnel Law Firm, we know how to work with the local, national, and international laws that govern domestic relations to bring your case to a successful resolution. We are determined to protect your relationship with your children.

Over 40 Years of Family Law Experience

Attorneys Curt Arnel and Lauren Arnel have more than 40 years of combined experience entirely focused on family law issues. Our firm has a long record of reaching resolutions through negotiations, but also boasts an equally impressive record of obtaining positive results by going to trial.

Whether you are requesting the right to relocate or seeking to prevent a former spouse from moving away with your child, it is important to put the knowledge of our experienced Brooklyn parental relocation attorneys on your side. We also serve clients in Manhattan and Queens.

We can answer your questions about relocation or any family law issue during a free consultation. Contact us at 718-550-3024 to schedule an appointment.

Why Choose Us?

  • Personalized solutions for you.
    Every case has its own unique circumstances that requires a methodical, thoughtful plan.
  • Protect your assets and future.
    Safeguarding your best interests is always at the forefront of our approach to your case.
  • Experience makes the difference.
    No matter how simple or complex your case, experience is essential in obtaining results.

Clients Share Their Stories

At Arnel Law Firm, We Believe in Empowering Our Clients

by equipping them with the tools, resources, knowledge, and support needed to make informed and effective decisions. Above all, we want to see your case resolved successfully. Take a look at what others have to say about their experiences working with our Brooklyn divorce law firm.

    “When I left the court room that day I was so happy my blood pressure went down.”

    Mr. Arnel thank you very much for your help. When I received the court paper I wanted to call someone for help, you were the first Lawyer I call. You had help me before with some child support difficulties. And when I couldn't reach you, you daughter, Lawyer Lauren Arnel answered the phone. She was very understanding and kind enough to give me your email address. The day I came to New York City for the court date, I came with a heavy heart not knowing what's going to happen. But in the court that day Lawyer Howard Gardner presented the case beautifully and ask the court for a dismissal. And the Judge had to dismiss the case with no further argument. When I left the court room that day I was so happy my blood pressure went down.

    All in all, It was a team work from your Firm. Thank you again to Mrs. L. Arnel and Mr. H. Gardner.

    I will always recommend you Firm to anyone who is seeking legal help.

    Mr. Arnel thank you very much.

    J.M.
    “They are honest from the start”
    Excellent law firm. I am a father/service member that was awarded primary physical custody, final decision making of my son, and my child support payments was terminated thanks to Arnel law Firm. Curt, Lauren and Howard have years of experience and will represent you like Mike Tyson in the ring. They are relentless to the very end. They were able to prove that I was the more involved parent, had my son the majority of the time ( because of the mother choices), and was able to prove the mother's statement of having our son half the time was false along with many other false statements. Also they are honest with you from the beginning in terms of letting you know whether or not your case has enough substance to move forward to a court proceeding and even if its not they will advise you in the consultation what steps you will need to take. They will not waste your or their time. Highly recommend this law firm for divorce and custody battles.
    M.D.
    “I could not have asked for better!”
    Mr. Arnel and his daughter Ms. Lauren Arnel litigated my divorce jurisdiction dispute with complete success. I felt very confident in their advocacy of my case. Mr. Arnel is a gifted attorney; I could not have asked for better. He is highly persuasive, professional, doesn't mince words, yet gracious and gentlemanly at the same time. He inspires confidence, and the outcome proved my confidence in him was well placed.
    Rachel A.
    “So Attentive and Knowledgeable.”
    I was extremely devastated when I reached out to the law office due to concern over a potential custody battle. I left a message and was contacted the same day and time that I was given. Curt was so attentive and knowledgeable. All of the questions I had were answered. I left the phone call feeling 100 times better than I did when I originally called. Even after asking a bunch of questions knowing that I wouldn't need his services he continued to answer questions with honest answers making it very clear how efficient he was in his field. I am very happy that I found him and honestly hope I won't have to use him in the future. However if the services are needed I would definitely pick him!
    Former Client
    “Open and Honest.”
    If you are looking for a attorney that's very knowledgeable in his practice definitely speak with Curt Ariel. He's open and honest. Mr. Ariel answered all of my questions and I feel better about moving forward with my case.
    S.D.
    “Knowledgeable, Expertise, Perseverance, and understanding.”
    I highly recommend and respect Mr. Curt Arnel for all of his hard work and dedication to my custody case in the past. Mr. Arnel's knowledge, expertise, perseverance, and understanding helped my father to win our case which was NOT a walk in the park. I am forever grateful for everything Mr. Arnel has done for my father and I. Because of Mr. Arnel, I was given a chance to have a great life with my father who was loving, devoted, and did everything in his power to protect and educate me and provide the best life possible. Mr. Arnel saved me from a very unfortunate situation with my mother at a very young age. Due to his amazing work ethic and determination years ago, I am a successful woman and mother today! If you are looking for an attorney who will do everything in their POWER to FIGHT for you, TRUSTWORTHY, and devote their undivided attention to you and your case, look no further....Mr. Curt Arnel will show up and show out for YOU!
    M.C.
    “Thank you, Mr. Arnel, for all you do and for treating me like family.”
    Curt Arnel is an ethical attorney with extensive legal knowledge and compassion for his clients. Mr. Arnel will relentlessly fight to win your case, and I highly recommend him. He handled my divorce and did an excellent job throughout the process. He looks out for the interests of his client and provides encouragement and support in a very stressful process. Thank you, Mr. Arnel, for all you do and for treating me like family. I would highly recommend Mr. Arnel.
    L.M.
    “If you or someone you know needs a family lawyer call Curt Arnel.”
    If I could give 10 stars I would. If you find yourself in the unfortunate position where you need to speak to an attorney to resolve any issues concerning your family, Curt Arnel and his team should be your only call. This is a long post. I called Mr. Arnel's office expecting to speak to a receptionist, I was wrong. Mr. Arnel answered the phone and we had a 45-minute conversation about our issue. He was so generous with his time. He answered every question I had and even brought up a few points I didn't even think of. I was blown away at how casual the conversation was. It was like I was speaking with an old friend. I never felt rushed. He explained to me how he had just resolved a similar matter and explained the whole process including numerous options to resolve the matter. My wife and I took his advice and are so thankful we did. If you or someone you know needs a family lawyer call Curt Arnel. You'll be glad you did. We are.
    B.P.
Facing a challenging divorce or family law matter in Brooklyn? Trust Arnel Law Firm's 35+ years of experience to guide you through every step.
Our dedicated team, led by attorney and CPA Curt Arnel, offers personalized solutions to protect your assets and future. Schedule your free consultation today by calling (718) 550-3024