Overseas Relocation Child Custody

Summary

In Washington, relocating overseas with children amidst a divorce requires court approval. The court considers the best interest of the child, including their age, education, healthcare, and relationship with the non-relocating parent. The relocating parent must notify the other parent about the move, and the other parent can object in court. The relocating parent should have a plan for the childrens education, healthcare, emotional well-being, and maintaining a relationship with the non-relocating parent. Its crucial to consult with a family law attorney to navigate this process.

Full Conversation

I am planning to divorce my husband, and I was just offered a position in my company overseas, what can I do to ensure I can have my kids with me and he can't stop me from going?
What is the current custody arrangement for your children?
I have them the majority of the time, he gets them every other weekend
What is the state or location of your current residence? This will help me provide you with the most accurate information regarding child custody laws in your area.
Washington
What is the age of your children? In Washington, courts consider the wishes of a child who is sufficiently mature to express reasoned and independent preferences as to his or her residential schedule.
8 year old boy and twin girls who are *
What is the country you're planning to move to? In Washington, international relocation with children requires court approval. It's important to consult with a family law attorney.
Poland
What is the duration of your stay in Poland? In Washington, if the move is temporary (like a vacation), you might not need court approval. But for permanent relocation, you need court's permission.
2 years
Do you have any existing court orders regarding the custody of your children?

- In Washington, you must notify the other parent about the relocation.
- The other parent can object to the move in court.
- The court will consider the best interest of the child.
no
What is your husband's stance on your relocation with the children? This is important as his agreement or objection can significantly impact the court's decision.
He won't want me to take them
What are the reasons your husband might present to the court to object your relocation with the children? This will help me provide you with more specific advice.
He wants to see them
What is your husband's current involvement in the children's lives? This will help determine how the court might view his objection to your relocation.
Not much
What is your plan for the children to maintain a relationship with their father if you move to Poland?
They can call him, Facetime him
What is your plan for in-person visits between your children and their father if you move to Poland?
Visit in the summer
What is your plan for the children's education in Poland? This is important as the court will consider the stability of the children's education in its decision.
The international school in the area
What is the reputation and quality of the international school in Poland you're planning for your children? This could be a factor in the court's decision regarding the children's best interest.
Very good reputation
What is your plan to ensure the children's emotional and physical well-being during the transition and stay in Poland?
The children will be with every step of the way, they know they can come to me with any concerns or fears. They will also have a therapist to help them work through big emotions.
What is your plan for the children's healthcare in Poland?
My job is offering privatize healthcare
What is the coverage and quality of the healthcare your job is offering in Poland?
The privatize healthcare with cover all their needs, including for my daughter with eplilispey
What is the current state of your daughter's epilepsy and how frequently does she need medical attention?
She take medication daily and she sees her neurologist every six months. My husband has never been to an appointment though
What is the plan for your daughter's epilepsy treatment in Poland?
I will have her connect with a specialist over there and ensure her doctor here give us enough medication to cover at least four months to ensure no missed doses
What is the quality and reputation of the epilepsy specialist in Poland?
The same as here in America
What is the name and contact details of the epilepsy specialist in Poland? This will help in ensuring a smooth transition of your daughter's medical care.
I do not have one yet, I am still processing
What is your plan to find a reputable epilepsy specialist in Poland for your daughter?
As soon as I have the offer in hand, I will reach out to her current specialist and work with them to find a specialist in Polad
What is the name and contact details of your current specialist? This will help in coordinating with them for your daughter's transition of care.
Poland
What is your plan for the children's education in Poland?
I already answered this
What is the name and contact details of your current epilepsy specialist for your daughter?
Dr Chan- Mary Bridge Children's Medical
What is the contact information for Dr. Chan at Mary Bridge Children's Medical?
*-*-*
Thank you for providing the contact details. Have you discussed your plans with Dr. Chan and how it might affect your daughter's treatment?
Not yet, we have an appointment with her in three weeks
What are the potential challenges you foresee in your daughter's transition to a new healthcare system and how do you plan to address them?
The biggest challenge would be availability of initial appointments. If this occurs, her specialist here has agreed to virtual visits as needed
What is the name and contact details of the court nearest to you in Washington? This will be useful for filing your relocation notice and any potential hearings.
I am not sure
The nearest family court in Washington is King County Superior Court. Address: * 3rd Ave, Seattle, WA *, USA. Phone: +* *-*-*.
Thank you
You're welcome! If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask.
Can I take my kids?
To take your kids overseas, you'll need to get court approval. It's crucial to consult with a family law attorney to guide you through this process.