Oklahoma City Relocation Attorneys: Making Child Custody A Little Easier During Moves

Last updated on October 28, 2025

Moving after a divorce that involved a custody battle won’t be easy. Self Legal Group prides itself on providing exceptional legal services to the people of Oklahoma City. We have over a century of combined family law experience under our belt that allows us to offer insight into any case. Regardless of your circumstances, we’ve already been there, done that and survived to tell the tale.

If you’re considering a relocation after a divorce, bring us into the fold in order to start accessing the child custody advice you need. Call us at 405-353-6387 or schedule an appointment online to begin the conversation with our experienced team.

What Is Relocation?

Sometimes, you have to move to seek out a better life, a new job or a fresh start. When you share custody, however, this move can be particularly complicated. A relocation in Oklahoma is a permanent move that will take you 75 miles or more from your current location. You will need to take additional steps to make this move with your child.

What Steps Do You Have To Take To Relocate After Divorce?

Whether you or your ex is proposing a move, there are a variety of steps that will be used to help determine the best course of action for the child.

Step 1: Notification

The first step for parents hoping to relocate with their child is to provide written notice to the other parent. This should include the new address, the reason for moving and your proposed schedule for visitation.

Step 2: The Other Parent’s Response

If the other parent agrees, you can submit your new parenting plan to the court for review and approval. If the other parent does not agree, they have 30 days to file an objection with the court.

Step 3: Court Approval

If your ex files an objection, the court will determine whether the move is in your child’s best interests. Like the initial custody decision, the court will try to determine whether the move and the proposed custody arrangement are in your child’s best interest.

It can help to have legal guidance when planning for relocation. Working with an attorney can ensure that you fulfill the legal requirements for relocation, create a sound new plan for custody and visitation, and effectively argue that the move is in your child’s best interest. Regular visitation should ideally still be possible after a relocation, and planning for visitation can also support your argument.

What Does The Court Consider When Approving A Relocation?

There are a variety of factors the court will use to determine whether or not a move is in the cards, especially if it’s a long-distance move. Some important details the court will consider include:

• Distance: The court will take into consideration the distance between your current location and your new home in another area and your old home. If you intend to move a smaller distance, the court is far more likely to approve your request.
• The child’s interests: The court will also attempt to determine if the quality of life will actually improve for the children. Matters like the quality of the education in the new area and the types of leisure opportunities available in the new location will affect the final decision.
• Maturity of child: The court will likely want to speak with the child to assess the child’s preference about the moving process. If the child is older, his or her opinion on whether they’d like to live with the new or relocating parent will be taken into account.

While the above factors are major indicators of a move’s approval rate, the reasons for the move also bear significant weight. For example, if the move would put the child closer to other family members and broaden the support unit, it will likely have a better chance of court approval. Other reasons that might sway a court include one spouse seeking out a better housing option or a job that would benefit the child.

Facing A Move? Get The Legal Support You Need From Self Legal Group’s Divorce Attorneys In Oklahoma City.

Explore your options and schedule an initial consultation to learn more about the moving process, what you can expect as far as custody and more. Call a divorce attorney you can trust today. You can schedule an initial consultation with our Oklahoma City office by calling 405-353-6387 or emailing our team.