Mom, Ready for a New Relationship and Move!

Question: Dear Cape Fear Family Law: For the last four (4) months, my husband and I lived in two separate apartments and we share our children as it fits within our work schedule. We do not have an agreement or an order on child custody. I want to move to Ohio with...
February 4, 2014
Mom, Ready for a New Relationship and Move!

Question:

Dear Cape Fear Family Law:

For the last four (4) months, my husband and I lived in two separate apartments and we share our children as it fits within our work schedule.  We do not have an agreement or an order on child custody. I want to move to Ohio with my new boyfriend when he gets out of the Marines.  Can I go with the children?

-Mom, Ready for a New Relationship and Move!

Answer:

Dear Mom, Ready for a New Relationship and Move!:

Although you may be legally separated, that does not necessarily mean that you can live with someone of the opposite sex, or even legally engage in a relationship at this time.  Alienation of affection and criminal conversation claims are viable in North Carolina. So, consult an attorney right away.

Once you commence a custody schedule generally a pattern of consistency is created for the children.  The pattern is one that both parents agree is in the best interests of the children, which is why they are “performing” that schedule.  If you don’t agree, it is imperative that you negotiate or file a custody action right away to try to establish a different schedule of custody and visitation.  Changing the schedule of the children for your own life choices may (or may not) be in the best interests of the minor children. So, short answer is “Maybe.”

The response posted above is based upon the limited factual information made available and is not intended as a full and complete response to the question. The only reliable manner to obtain complete and adequate legal advice is to consult with an attorney, fully explain your situation, and allow the attorney sufficient opportunity to research the applicable law and facts required to render an accurate opinion. The basic information provided above is intended as a public service only, a full discussion with an attorney should be undertaken before taking any action. The information above is available for public viewing and is not intended to create an attorney client relationship with any individual. This answer is provided for informational purposes only, a person should consult with their own individual legal counsel before taking any action that could affect their legal rights or obligations.

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Janet Gemmell
Practicing law for over 20 years may have caused Janet some gray hairs, but she remains young at heart, probably because she loves what she does. Janet's focus is to work with clients building new lives after relationship turmoil and although it is hard work, she finds it utterly rewarding. Such work and experiences gives Janet a ton of insight and along with her legal knowledge (afterall she is a Board Certified Family Law Specialist) she is able to get to the heart of any legal matter quickly in order to start helping clients find resolutions and to get their lives back on track.

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