When it becomes necessary to raise objections regarding the relocation of a child, it’s often a difficult yet essential process. This is what allows Washington parents and guardians to do what’s best for the children in the situation, guaranteeing that they’ll be in the environment that’s most conducive to their development throughout some of the most important years of their lives.
File with the court
The party that’s doing the objecting must file any objections they have with the relocation or proposed revised residential schedule. Modifications to the schedule for the child’s residence must be done through this formal filing process with such stringent requirements to ensure that these children are protected from unnecessary alterations to their living arrangements.
Serve objections on all involved parties
All objections must be served to not only the relocating party but also anyone else who is entitled by court order to residential or visitation time with the child. These objections may be served by mail or via personal service. Essentially, you’re allowed to use any method of mailing is permitted so long as it includes a return receipt to the relocating party. This address must match the residence that’s been designated for service.
Deadlines to remember
The filing and serving process must be completed no more than thirty days after receipt of the notice of the intention to relocate the child. A waiting period of three days is added on for objections served by mail, so it’s best to have all your document ready to go as soon as you can.
There are myriad protections in place to ensure that children’s best interests are always acted upon. While it may be a tedious and often daunting process, it’s well worth it to formally dispute child relocation when such an action would be detrimental to the child’s well-being.
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