Legal Question in Family Law in California
Moving out of state
My ex husband and I divorced 10 years ago. I have sole
legal and physical custody. He has abandoned our two
children, which last year had their last names legally
changed. We want to move out of state, but my divorce
documetns state : ''Both parties are enjoined and
restrained from removing the children from the
southern counties of CA w/o consent of the other or
further order from this court.'' What do I need to do to be
able to move, or does this not apply because he
abandoned them? His last contact was 02/ 1999, I
have found out he has also left the state.
3 Answers from Attorneys
Reply: Moving out of state
In a general sense, the correct way to do this is to file an OSC seeking a modification of the order that restrains you from moving. There may be issues regarding service of process if you don't know where to serve him at, so you may have to serve him by publication.
For a specific opinion regarding your individual circumstances, I suggest that you consult with an experienced family law lawyer. Experience is not expensive, it's priceless!
You will find some valuable information on various California family law issues at my web site.
Good luck to you!
Brian Levy, Esq.
www.calattorney.com
Re: Moving out of state
It is a cardinal rule - do not take matters into your own hands, especially when it involves you breaching a court order.
Although you may well "get away" with it due to the absence of the father, you never know if the father will return and accuse you of contempt or kidnapping. In that case, you are left having to defend yourself in court. As you probably know, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.
You need to file a motion for a "Move Away" order and there is no reason that you should not be successful. However, I strongly advise that you retain the services of a competent Family Law attorney to assist you. The legal fees will be money well spent and you will have peace of mind.
If we can be of assistance, please feel free to call. But in any event, I wish you and the children all the best.
Regards, Damian Nolan.
Re: Moving out of state
You should file a motion requesting that you be allowed to leave the state. Leaving the state without this order, while possibly posing little risk due to the lack of contact, could result in problmes later. This could cost more than going to court now.