Once entered, Maryland court orders regarding a divorce are meant to be final. However, sometimes needs change post-divorce, and it becomes necessary to return to court to seek a modification of a court order. One of the main reasons for seeking a modification is when one parent is needing or wanting to relocate to another state, another country, or simply to a location further away that makes the present custody arrangement unworkable. A parent who attempts to relocate with the child without first getting approval by the court risks serious legal sanctions, including possibly child abduction charges.
If you are seeking to relocate after your divorce, or if you oppose your ex-spouse’s anticipated move, get help from an experienced Glen Burnie relocation lawyer at the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA. Attorney Todd Mohink is the lawyer behind a leading Maryland case on relocation issues. Together with his associates, Mr. Mohink delivers knowledgeable, skilled and effective representation to deliver results in relocation issues in Anne Arundel and Howard County courts.
Issues involving children in a divorce or other family law matter, including child custody, are often resolved with one primary factor used by the court above all others – the best interests of the children. Of course, both parents in a custody dispute may feel that their position is the one in the child’s best interest, so the judge must frequently make a difficult decision after a full hearing on the issues in court. When one parent is wishing to relocate to another state with the child, the court must consider whether that move is in the best interests of the child, or whether it would be detrimental to the child. However, the court may have to consider other issues as well. A proposed relocation can implicate a parent’s constitutional right to travel, as well as a parent’s fundamental right to raise his or her children in the manner deemed best by the parent.
Attorney Todd Mohink represented the appellee in the Court of Special Appeals of Marylandin the case of Braun v. Headley. This is a leading custody relocation case that considered issues surrounding the judicial doctrine that relocation of a child may constitute a change in circumstances sufficient to trigger modification of a custody order, and how that doctrine impacts a custodial parent’s constitutional right to travel. This case was appealed all the way to the United States Supreme Court. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the appeal, leaving in place the decision of the Maryland Appeals Court affirming our client’s trial court victory.
For representation in any child custody or relocation matter in Maryland, contact a lawyer with in-depth knowledge of this issue gained from experience in court at the trial and appellate levels. Call the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA in Glen Burnie or Columbia for a consultation.
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