A move can seem routine until it affects your child’s schedule. A new address can affect school travel time and midweek exchanges. Illinois law draws a legal line for “relocation” when you already follow a parenting plan. When you know where that line may fall, you can better assess whether you might need notice, consent or a court order.
Statutory distance thresholds that define relocation in Illinois
Illinois law defines relocation by mileage from your child’s current primary residence. In Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties, relocation may apply when you move more than 25 miles within Illinois. In any other Illinois county, relocation may apply when you move more than 50 miles within Illinois.
An out-of-state move may also count as relocation when the new home sits more than 25 miles from the child’s Illinois primary residence. Distance can drive the definition, even when your reason for moving seems practical.
Parenting order requirements that trigger relocation rules
Relocation rules can apply when you already have a court order that allocates parenting time. You may fall under the statute if you have most parenting time or if you split parenting time equally. Courts may focus on your current allocation, not your future plan, when they evaluate whether the process applies to you.
Notice and approval steps tied to a qualifying relocation
When your move meets the relocation definition, you may need to take the following steps:
- Give written notice at least 60 days before the move, or as soon as practical
- Include the planned move date, your new address if you know it and whether the move may last for a limited time
- File the notice with the court and seek court approval if the other parent does not sign
Together, these steps may shape whether your move proceeds with agreement or requires court review.
Assessing relocation implications under Illinois law
In Illinois, parental relocation can depend on mileage, your existing parenting order and the notice process. If your move crosses a distance threshold, you may need written notice and possibly court involvement. A quick check of these points may help you spot relocation issues early.
