International Relocation of Children

QUESTION:
I am considering a move overseas to be with my current partner. I have young child and would like her to join me. I know the situation is not “ideal” for her father, but I am not proposing that he can’t see her.

 If I have no luck with coming to an agreement with him, where would I go from here?

Thanks so much

ANSWER:
I would need more details to advise you. If you cannot agree then your options are as follows. You could apply to the Family Court for free counselling to determine the issue. Or you could apply to the Family Court for consent to relocate to Australia. There are a range of factors the Court would take into account – see child relocation listed elsewhere my blog. If you apply to the Court, you are automatically referred to counseling.

You cannot just relocate with your child without getting the consent of the other party. There are strong family laws about child abduction in this country and overseas including the Hague Convention.

It can take up to one year to go through the Court process through to a Family Court defended hearing. Try to reach agreement and I suggest you contact a Family lawyer on this one.

If you would like further help, contact me direct on jeremy@jeremysutton.co.nz or Tel: (09) 263 6953.