Moving to a Different State when Divorced

Divorce brings multiple changes in your life. Usually few things remain the same after the end of your marriage. Often divorcing and moving out of state go along since the first signals the end of the failed stage, while the latter grants a chance for a fresh start. If you hesitate about whether post-divorce relocation is a good idea and wonder how to implement it, check out the following tips for beneficial outcomes.

Why Move to a Different State

People who deal with online divorce in California or spend much time at court hearings may want to change a place of permanent residence due to the following reasons:

• to move closer to old friends or relatives
• to change the environment
• to find new career perspectives
• to get a better support system and social benefits
• for the sake of personal security
• to get married again

Generally, divorcees choose to relocate so they can have a fresh start, say farewell to the past, and have no temptations to turn back. Still, relocation is a complicated process that requires thorough preparation and effort involved so that you can have a successful beginning in a new life but not an abundance of troubles at a new place. 

How to Relocate with Kids

Relocation with kids doubles the need for efficient planning and legal preparation. If you own sole custody over your kids, moving into a new place will depend on you only. But having a share in joint custody obliges you to come to an agreement with your ex before you relocate. 

If you haven’t discussed the relocation in your divorce settlement agreement, a relevant modification is to be introduced. It is necessary to alter visitation to please the needs of the kids and another parent to see each other regularly and guarantee the best interest of the children. 

If your former partner disapproves of your moving away after divorce under any proposed conditions, expect to deal with the issue in court. You must obtain an order from the judge to allow your relocation even against your ex’s will but for the best interests of your kids.

How to Help Kids Prepare for the Move

Another point to add to your moving-after-divorce checklist is helping your children to get ready for the move. Understand they lose not less than you do with the divorce and the relocation happening one after another. When you move your children are left without a regular routine, school, friends, beloved places, etc. This is a huge stress and tension for them. 

Your task is to care about your kids’ physical and mental wellness by all possible means. Here are some simple things for you to succeed:

• listen up to your kids’ ideas and visions of your life in a new place
• pack up and unpack together
• try to maintain the very same schedule at a new place to reduce the number of changes
• communicate with kids about challenges and help to cope with stress after relocation
• give your kids time and space to adjust
• encourage your children to maintain relationships with old friends via chats and video calls
• spend more qualitative time together.

The more you are by your children’s side, the easier it will be for them to go through any life turbulence, whether it is your divorce or relocation. 

How to Get Ready for Relocation

You may seek relief in the relocation after a divorce, but first, you will have to deal with a lot of related rearrangements and challenges. Your relocation will bring you more benefits if you add the following points to your preparation and implementation process:

• give yourself time to digest the relocation and connected changes
• save some costs to cover the first-time adjustment and turbulence
• calculate and stick to the budget considering the peculiarities of the new location
• research the career opportunities at a new place
• don’t take unnecessary things with you and make a list of necessary purchases.

If you prepare in advance and stick to your plans, it will be easier for you to adjust on the go and keep your relocation under control. Mind that moving to another state may make you feel scared and anxious. But once you find the power and inspiration to overcome the initial complications and cope with rearrangements, you will pursue a chance to get a fresh start at a new place for a happy future.