Child Relocation.
Planning to move away with your child or opposing a proposed relocation? Our expert team is here to manage Court relocation applications and protect your parental rights.
A proposed move with a child can quickly become one of the most difficult issues for separated parents to resolve.
When a relationship breaks down, decisions about where a child should live and how they spend time with each parent can become particularly sensitive. This is especially true where one parent wishes to relocate with the child, whether to another part of the UK or further afield. For the parent hoping to move, the relocation may be linked to family support, work, housing or a fresh start. For the other parent, it may raise very real concerns about the impact on their relationship with their child.
At Lanyon Bowdler, our specialist family law solicitors provide clear, practical and sensitive advice in child relocation matters. We will help you understand your legal position, the factors the court is likely to consider, and the steps you may need to take before any move is agreed or opposed. The welfare of the child will always be the court’s central concern, and we will work with you to present your case carefully, with proper attention to your child’s needs, routines, schooling, support network and ongoing relationship with both parents.
The court’s main concern will always be the child’s best interests, and relocation cases often require careful preparation around issues such as housing, education, childcare, travel, contact arrangements and support networks. Our family law team is recognised by The Legal 500 and Chambers UK for its expertise in family and children law, and includes solicitors accredited by the Law Society for Family Law and members of Resolution.
Contact our Child Relocation Solicitors today. We listen, and we care.
We can advise on the potential impact of these proceedings on your child. Our friendly and compassionate team can connect you to specialist services such as counsellors, therapists and the National Youth Advocacy Service. We also have a great deal of experience working with the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS).
CAFCASS assists the court and can investigate the child’s circumstances ahead of court proceedings. This can involve speaking to the child, outside the stressful court environment, to determine their wishes, as well as contacting other significant people in the child’s life.
At all times, the main concern of the court will be the welfare of the child. We will support you in ensuring that your child gets the support they need.
It may well do.
Getting clear and practical legal advice as early as possible is vital in cases like this, even if you do not plan to contest the relocation itself. It is important to fully understand the consequences of the move. Our expert team will quickly determine your most appropriate course of action.
No. Your rights as a parent are the same in most cases, as if you were married.
The law is more complex in relation to same sex couples. Arrangements for children can depend on how the child was conceived or joined the family.
Not unilaterally. Many people assume, if their child lives with them for the majority of their time, they should be entitled to choose where they live, including relocating within or outside the UK. This is not the case. The law relating to child relocation is based on the best interests of the child and assumes, in the absence of contrary evidence, it is in the best interests of the child to have regular contact with both parents.
As such, if you want to move overseas with your child, in most cases you will need the permission of your former partner before you relocate. Depending on the circumstances, you might also need their consent to move within the UK.
If you are considering making a move with your child, or believe that your former partner is thinking about relocating you should contact us immediately to discuss your options.
No, you don’t even need a formal agreement if both parents agree to the relocation. However, it is always advisable to record your agreement in writing in case circumstances change in the future. For this reason, some people choose to have their agreement formally approved by a court to make it legally binding.
If it is impossible to come to an amicable agreement with your former partner, there are alternatives to going to court. Often, people can reach an agreement with the help of a mediator. We are experts in organising and supporting our clients through mediation processes. An impartial third party can be invaluable in these negotiations.
Not only can attempting to reach an agreement yourselves, either together or through mediation, save you time and money, the court may expect you to have gone through this process before starting formal legal proceedings.
If you cannot come to an agreement about the living arrangements for your child, we will lead the way through the court process. The court has the power to decide whether a child can be relocated (whether within the UK or overseas) and how frequently the child should have contact with the other parent.
The wellbeing of the child is the main priority of the court, which will usually presume it is better for the child to have regular contact with both parents, as well as members of the child’s wider family.
The court must consider the following:
The wishes and emotions of the child, while important, may not be the deciding factor in the court’s judgment.
Relocating overseas with a child without the consent of the other parent, or the permission of the court, can be considered child abduction. If your former partner has taken your child overseas without your consent, is refusing to return from an overseas trip, or you are worried that they might, contact us immediately.
Pet ownership dispute – very professional, factual and honest. Swift responses & really supportive but also keep you informed of all possibilities.
At what was a challenging time for me, I was guided calmly through a process I knew nothing of.
Staci has been fantastic in dealing with my divorce and financial matter. She was approachable and supportive throughout a personally challenging time, and her communication and clarity was always excellent. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Staci, or Lanyon Bowdler.
I found the service and advice given regarding my matter to be professional and appropriate and my matter was brought to a very swift and satisfactory conclusion. I always felt my Solicitor really had my best interests at heart, I had every confidence.
From the first contact, the team at Lanyon Bowdler gave a fast & efficient service. They were very friendly & gave me the confidence that I had found the right solicitors. The advice given & the fast responses were beyond my expectations. The matter was resolved in no time at all.
After the solicitor firm I was using for my divorce couldn’t get it settled in two years, I transferred to Lanyon Bowdler. Within seven months they got it completely finished and over with. They proactively pushed to get my case closed and were supportive throughout. Absolutely worthy to be called the best.
Lanyon Bowdler managed my case very professionally and were very helpful during a difficult and challenging case both in a professional and personal capacity. I would highly recommend Lanyon Bowdler for all legal matters and would definitely engage in the future if the need arises.
I would not hesitate to recommend LB Solicitors to anyone needing guidance and representation for family law or divorce proceedings. My solicitor was thorough and diligent, balancing professional rigour with fairness, reasonableness and sensitivity. I feel this approach helped me to obtain a satisfactory settlement avoiding costly and unnecessary conflict.
Since dealing with Lanyon Bowdler they have been diligent, efficient and at all times very helpful along with being structured in dealing with matters, fees and clarity on all levels. Thank you.
I was clearly informed of progress step by step. The service you provided was very good.
All work carried out effectively and efficiently.
An excellent service with solicitors that you can talk to and who give you a clear understanding of all necessary legal implications and interpretations.
From start to finish we had excellent service. Friendly, approachable and professional.
Used Lanyon Bowdler for conveyancing and for legal advice – both solicitors I worked with were effective and professional. Law firm was fast and responsive to queries and clear pricing.
Very clear, concise advice and guidance, easy to understand.
Good service provided throughout with clear communication throughout with all options explored.
I was impressed with the forensic approach to identifying, securing, assessing and presenting evidence over the two years that it took to finally resolve the issue.
I can thoroughly recommend the highly professional and supportive service received over the last few months.
Responsive, supportive, approachable, clear and empathetic.
Professional and prompt communication. Supportive and client focused.
Whenever I have had need to contact Lanyon Bowdler I have always received a fast, concise and friendly response.
Definitely would use Lanyon Bowdler again if I need the use of a solicitor.
Smooth and efficient service from very professional firm.
We were particularly impressed with the quality of work, the speed and excellent communication.
Very friendly and approachable. Very good advice
Great Service; Lanyon Bowdler were excellent from the outset. Straightforward and easy process. I just sat back and waited.
Everything has been professional, efficient and courteous throughout and we are very pleased, both with the service and with the eventual outcome of our case. Everything was first class and exceeded our expectations. Thank you again for providing such splendid service. It is really appreciated.
Everything has been dealt with very efficiently in a very kind and professional manner.
As one of the leading family law teams in the Midlands, recognised by our clients and in the top legal directories for our expertise and sensitivity in the most complex and emotionally charged situations, we have decades of experience providing the clear advice to parents.
The 2025 edition of the Legal 500 directory specifically comments on our experience with “children work [which] includes advising on relocation, domestic violence and significant welfare cases”. The 2026 edition of Chambers UK rates us in Band 2, for the West Midlands.
Our approach is always to take the time to listen to you and understand all the issues which exist in your situation. Our Child Custody Lawyers are proud of our reputation for an emotionally sensitive and intelligent service; we understand how difficult decision-making can be when it comes to issues involving children and will help you determine the right choices. Questions of finances, living arrangements, and along with ongoing contact with both parents, will all need to be carefully considered – we will help you find workable solutions.
As a leading law firm in Wales, we have a genuine commitment to understanding our clients, whatever their backgrounds, something which is exemplified by our membership appointment to of the NFU legal panel and our signature of the Armed Forces Covenant. We are passionate about what we do, and dedicated to our clients, no matter their circumstances, and recognise that, when children are involved, you need compassion and understanding, as well as legal expertise.
If you are concerned about the status of your parental rights contact one of a Family Law Solicitors for advice tailored to your specific circumstances.
Contact us today if you are considering relocating with your child, whether internationally or within the UK, or if you believe that your former partner may be planning to do so.
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