If you are a divorced parent, any decision that involves your children should be one that you carefully think through and plan for. Suppose you are considering relocating and you are the parent who primarily resides with the kids. The timing of such a move can have significant emotional and logistical implications.
Relocating during the festive season, for example, can come with an additional layer of planning and anticipation. The festive season is a time traditionally associated with joy and family togetherness. Is the festive season a good time to relocate with your children?
The unique challenges of relocating during the festive season
The holidays are a period filled with heightened emotions, both positive and negative. For children, this time often comes with strong expectations of traditions and familiar routines. A sudden relocation during this period may disrupt their sense of security and belonging. For divorced parents, this disruption may be compounded by:
- Custody agreements
- Co-parenting dynamics
- The emotional toll of balancing your needs with those of your children and ex-partner
In Illinois, relocation laws are particularly strict for divorced parents and require that:
- You move no more than a stipulated mile radius away from your current location
- You have your co-parent’s consent
- The court approves the relocation
Relocating during the festive season can intensify negotiations with your co-parent, especially if holiday parenting time schedules have already been planned.
The benefits of a holiday move
One significant advantage of a festive season relocation is the alignment with time off from school. School break provides children with time to settle into their new environment before returning to school in January.
Moving during the festive season can also provide an opportunity to create fresh traditions in your new home. This can give your family something to look forward to amid the upheaval.
The drawbacks of a festive season relocation
The holidays are a sentimental time and leaving behind familiar surroundings and friends can make this period particularly tough for kids.
Additionally, a holiday move might feel abrupt or inconsiderate to your ex-partner. Such timing may disrupt planned holiday parenting time schedules.
Relocating during the festive season is neither an inherently good nor bad decision. The quality of the decision depends on your unique circumstances and how well you prepare. Should you proceed with the move, compassionate legal guidance can help you balance legal requirements and co-parenting dynamics between you and your ex-partner.
