On behalf of The Walters Law Group, Ltd. posted in Child Custody on Monday, November 26, 2012.
The world often seems smaller than it used to be. Various career or life changes can lead someone to want to make a big move. But when Halle Berry wanted to move to France to be with her fiancée, but the child custody arrangement she has led a judge to rule that her 4 year old daughter needs to stay closer to her father in Los Angeles.
Berry believed her move should be allowed because it would mean a safer environment than L.A.. Many Chicago parents also desire to move forward and get out of the city, but custody arrangements often dictate a certain parameter where the parent with primary custody must live in order to allow both parents an opportunity to be present in a child’s life, regardless of the exact rationing of each parent’s time.
In Berry’s case, the judge most likely took many factors into consideration, including the father’s involvement in the child’s life and his ability to maintain a relationship with his daughter if she were overseas. Geographical parameters are set for a reason in a custody case, but situations do occur where they become outdated. Sometimes what the court determines as what’s best for a child no longer holds after a few years.
Still, in child custody cases, remembering the terms of a custody arrangement and abiding by it is important, even if it no longer makes sense. If the terms do become too restricting for a custodial parent it is important to discuss any potential changes with a family law attorney before they happen. By staying open about what you are doing, and what you plan to do, you stand a better chance of making the right move for yourself and your child.
Source: The Huffington Post, “Halle Berry Custody Battle: Court Rules The Actress Can’t Move To France With Her Daughter,” Nov. 10, 2012