Relocation

• The change of residence from the child(ren)’s current primary residence is in the county of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry or Will County and is more than 25 miles from the child(ren)’s current residence;
• The change of residence is from the child(ren)’s current primary residence which is not located in Cook or a collar county to a new residence within this State that is more than 50 miles away from the child(ren)’s current primary residence; or,
• The change of residence to a residence outside of Illinois that is more than 25 miles from the child(ren)’s current primary residence.

The notice must be provided at least sixty (60) days before the relocation unless impracticable and must include, at a minimum, the following:

• The intended date of relocation;
• The address of the new residence, if known; and,
• The length of time of the relocation, if the relocation is not for an indefinite or permanent period. 

The non-relocating parent may either agree to the relocation and sign the notice or object to relocation. Under either scenario, the parents may need the judge to intervene. If the parents agree on the relocation but they cannot agree on a parenting schedule that accommodates the parent’s relocation, the judge may determine the new schedule. If the non-relocating parent objects, the parent seeking relocation will need to file a petition and the judge determines whether relocation is in the best interests of the child(ren) and appropriate under the law. Relocation issues require careful planning, proper timing and thoughtful consideration of the best interests of the child(ren).