Practice area

Child Relocation

Relocation planning that accounts for distance, school, and parenting time

We advise Oregon parents about relocation notice, objections, modified parenting plans, transportation, school continuity, and the evidence courts consider when a proposed move affects a child.

What changes when a parent plans to move

Relocation disputes are fact-specific. The useful question is how the proposed move affects the child and the existing judgment in practice.

Review notice duties

Oregon judgments commonly require advance notice of an intended move, and state law addresses moves that place a parent more than 60 miles farther from the other parent.

Map the new schedule

Distance can change school-week exchanges, holidays, summer time, transportation cost, and the child’s ability to maintain regular contact.

Keep the child central

Courts look beyond a parent’s preference and assess the proposed arrangement through the child’s best interests and family circumstances.

Detailed Oregon family law guidance

The overview below explains the legal and practical issues that commonly arise in this practice area.

Notice comes before the move

Oregon judgments involving custody must address notice when a parent intends to move more than 60 miles farther from the other parent. The judgment may contain added requirements. A parent considering a move should review the order before changing the child’s residence or school, because timing can affect available relief and the practical ability to preserve the current arrangement.

A relocation plan needs operational detail

The proposal should state where and when the move will occur, the school plan, transportation arrangements, cost allocation, holiday and summer schedules, and methods for maintaining frequent contact. The court evaluates the child’s best interests under the specific family history. Distance alone does not resolve the case. ORS 107.159 (opens in a new tab) contains the statutory notice provision.

Talk with an Oregon family lawyer

You can discuss what is happening, which records to gather, and what choices may be time-sensitive without pressure or canned promises.

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Frequently asked questions

Is there a 60-mile relocation rule in Oregon?

Oregon law requires judgments involving custody to address notice when a parent intends to move more than 60 miles farther from the other parent. The exact language of the judgment and ORS 107.159 (opens in a new tab) should be reviewed before a move.

Can a parent move before the court decides an objection?

That depends on the current judgment, notice, timing, and any pending motion or temporary order. Because a move can be difficult to unwind, legal advice should be obtained before changing the child’s residence or school.

What should a relocation proposal include?

Include the intended address or area, timing, school plan, transportation details, a revised parenting schedule, cost allocation, and a plan for calls or video contact.

Clear advice before the process gets louder

Family transitions can bring court deadlines, financial uncertainty, parenting questions, and strong emotions at the same time. The first job is to steady the situation, understand the facts, and identify the legal options that fit your family.

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