This is my next post in my “Understanding Child Relocation” series. My last post discussed the Nevada appellate process. In this post I will discuss what life will be like, after winning your Nevada relocation case. I will be discussing certain rules you should be mindful of; even though you have won your case, you must still abide by all of the Court’s orders.
It is Important That You Register Your Custody Order in Your New Home State after Relocating from Nevada
Once you have won your case, and your family has settled into your new home, do not forget your custody obligations. It will be very important for you to register your custody order in the new state that you are residing in. This is accomplished by domesticating your Nevada judgment. Nevada will retain jurisdiction over the matter after you move but you may be able to move jurisdiction to your new state should any issues arise. You cannot move jurisdiction, however, without registering your order in the new state. Do this immediately after you relocate, even if you do not foresee a problem in the future that would warrant a new court appearance. Waiting until an issue comes up will only lead to messiness and stress.
It is Important to Comply with All of Your Visitation Orders
You just went through a long and arduous process to obtain primary custody and to relocate your child, the last thing you want to do is wind up back in court. The best way to avoid this is by complying with your custody order to the letter. Following the Court’s directions regarding travel arrangements is very important, even if the other parent does not strictly enforce them. For instance, if the Court ordered that the other party is allowed visitation for the entire summer, if you are in charge of making the travel arrangements by a certain date, make these arrangements well in advance to avoid any travel delays. If for whatever reason you and the other party agree to a variation to the visitation, make sure to get the new agreement in writing or go through the Court’s to do so.
When the Court grants permission to Las Vegas resident wishing to relocate their child from Nevada, they generally allot time for phone, Skype, Facetime, or other forms of electronic communication. It is important to comply with these rules as well. If you have to provide your child with their own phone and computer in order to ensure the child effectively communicates with the other party, then it is in your best interest to do so. It is also important that you do not discourage your child from communicating with the other party by speaking in a derogatory manner about the other parent. Children are easily influenced. If they decide not to answer when the other party calls, you will be in violation of the visitation order and could wind up back in court.
You have won primary custody and the battle need not continue. The more you and the other party work together at this point the better. It is hard enough for children to uproot their lives and move. It is not necessary to make their lives harder with constant back and forth bickering between their parents. Complying with the Court’s orders regarding custody and visitation and being cordial with one another is the best way to avoid all future conflict.