When life changes, parents sometimes need to move—whether for a new job, remarriage, or to be closer to extended family. But if you share custody of a child, relocating isn’t simply a personal decision. Under Nevada law, relocating with a child often requires court approval or the other parent’s written consent. At Ford & Flaxman PLLC, our experienced family law attorneys help parents handle the legal complexities of child custody relocation in Las Vegas to protect their rights and ensure the best interests of the child.
Relocating with your child out of state (or even a significant distance within Nevada) when there is a custody order in place can’t be done unilaterally. Under Nevada law:
If parents have joint physical custody, the relocating parent needs either:
Written permission from the other parent, or
A court order granting permission to relocate.
If the parent seeking to move has primary physical custody, they must still seek the court’s approval if the other parent objects.
Failing to follow these procedures can result in serious consequences, including being ordered to return the child, paying the other parent’s legal fees, or in some cases, changes to the custody arrangement itself.
Parents often pursue relocation for legitimate, life-enhancing reasons, such as:
A compelling new job opportunity in another city or state
Remarrying and joining a spouse who lives elsewhere
Moving closer to extended family who can help support and care for the child
Pursuing specialized educational or medical services for the child
No matter the reason, the parent requesting relocation must prove to the court that the move is made in good faith and is in the best interests of the child.
If you are a parent facing the prospect of your child being moved far away, it’s critical to protect your custodial rights and your relationship with your child. We represent parents opposing relocation by:
Challenging the necessity or benefit of the move
Demonstrating how the relocation would disrupt the child’s stable environment
Advocating for alternative solutions that preserve frequent, meaningful contact with the child
Our attorneys understand how high the stakes are in relocation cases and will fight to secure the outcome that best serves your child’s needs.
When evaluating a relocation request, Nevada courts look closely at:
The potential advantages of the move for the custodial parent and child
Whether the move is in good faith or designed to frustrate the other parent’s relationship
The impact on the child’s relationship with the non-moving parent
The ability to maintain a meaningful relationship with the non-moving parent through revised visitation
The child’s age, needs, and emotional ties to each parent
The feasibility of new visitation arrangements and travel considerations
Any history of domestic violence or other safety concerns
At Ford & Flaxman PLLC, we present comprehensive evidence and tailored arguments to support your relocation request—or to contest an improper one—always focused on the child’s best interests.
Relocation cases are some of the most emotional and complex custody matters. They are often viewed by the court as a “zero-sum” decision—either the move is approved, or it is denied. That’s why having a knowledgeable legal team matters. Clients choose us because we offer:
Extensive experience handling Las Vegas child custody relocation cases
Deep understanding of Nevada’s relocation laws and court expectations
Strategic preparation of evidence, including testimony and expert input
Compassionate, dedicated support through every phase of your case
Whether you are hoping to relocate with your child or seeking to protect your time and bond as the other parent, Ford & Flaxman PLLC is here to help. We guide parents through the relocation process with thoughtful, aggressive representation designed to secure the best possible future for your family.
Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation and discuss your relocation or move-away case with an experienced Las Vegas family law attorney.
Yes. Under Nevada law, if you share joint physical custody, you must have either the other parent’s written consent or a court order to relocate. Even if you have primary physical custody, you generally still need court approval if the other parent objects. Moving without permission can result in serious legal consequences, including changes to your custody arrangement.
The court will examine factors like the reason for your move, the benefits to you and your child, how it impacts your child’s relationship with the other parent, and whether alternative visitation can preserve that bond. Ultimately, the judge will determine if the move serves your child’s best interests.
Absolutely. If you oppose the relocation, you have the right to present evidence showing how the move would disrupt your relationship or negatively impact your child’s well-being. An experienced relocation attorney can help you protect your custodial rights and argue for keeping your child close to home.