Legal Question in Family Law in Kansas

Re: Age children can make their own decisions.

Be careful! Kansas law requires prior written notice to the other parent of any plans to move the residence of children as set forth in the following statute:

K.S.A. 60-1620. Change in child's residence; notice; effect; exceptions. (a) Except as provided in subsection (d), a parent entitled to legal custody or residency of or parenting time with a child pursuant to K.S.A. 60-1610 and amendments thereto shall give written notice to the other parent not less than 30 days prior to: (1) Changing the residence of the child; or (2) removing the child from this state for a period of time exceeding 90 days. Such notice shall be sent by restricted mail, return receipt requested, to the last known address of the other parent.

(b) Failure to give notice as required by subsection (a) is an indirect civil contempt punishable as provided by law. In addition, the court may assess, against the parent required to give notice, reasonable attorney fees and any other expenses incurred by the other parent by reason of the failure to give notice.

(c) A change of the residence or the removal of a child as described in subsection (a) may be considered a material change of circumstances which justifies modification of a prior order of legal custody, residency, child support or parenting time. In determining any motion seeking a modification of a prior order based on change of residence or removal as described in (a), the court shall consider all factors the court deems appropriate including, but not limited to: (1) The effect of the move on the best interests of the child; (2) the effect of the move on any party having rights granted pursuant to K.S.A. 60-1610, and amendments thereto; and (3) the increased cost the move will impose on any party seeking to exercise rights granted under K.S.A. 60-1610, and amendments thereto.

(d) A parent entitled to the legal custody or residency of a child pursuant to K.S.A. 60-1610 and amendments thereto shall not be required to give the notice required by this section to the other parent when the other parent has been convicted of any crime specified in article 34, 35 or 36 of chapter 21 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated in which the child is the victim of such crime.

Consult an experienced family law attorney before you act.