Can I Relocate with Kids After Divorce in Kansas City or Missouri?

Relocating after a divorce can feel like the fresh start you need. But if you share child custody, moving isn’t always as simple as packing your bags. Whether you’re considering a move for work, to be closer to family, or just for a change of scenery, there are legal steps and custody considerations you need to understand before relocating with your kids after divorce in Kansas City.

Both Kansas and Missouri courts aim to protect the child’s relationship with both parents. That means you can’t just move on your own terms, even if you’re the primary custodial parent. Courts in Kansas City take relocation seriously, and failing to follow the rules can create serious legal setbacks.

Understanding Relocation Laws in Kansas and Missouri

Relocation is more than just a move. It’s defined as a change in a child’s primary residence that lasts 90 days or more. Relocation laws come into play when the move could significantly disrupt the child’s routine or the other parent’s ability to exercise their child custody or visitation rights. So even a relatively short-distance move can raise legal issues if it alters the parenting dynamic.

Do I Need Permission to Relocate with My Child?

Yes. You cannot relocate with your child without first taking the appropriate legal steps. In both Kansas and Missouri, you are required to either:

• Obtain written consent from the other parent, or
• File a motion with the court requesting permission to relocate

Judges focus on maintaining healthy, ongoing relationships between children and both parents. So, unless the move clearly benefits the child and still allows for meaningful contact with the other parent, it may be denied.

How to Provide Proper Notice of Relocation

Before relocating, you must notify the other parent in writing. This is not just a formality, and failing to give notice can lead to serious legal consequences.

Here’s what proper notice looks like:

• Delivered at least 30 days in advance in Kansas and 60 days in advance in Missouri
• Sent by certified mail with return receipt requested
• Includes the proposed new address, the date of the move, and the reason for relocation

Providing clear and timely notice shows the court you’re acting in good faith and respecting the other parent’s role in your child’s life.

When the Other Parent Objects: What Happens Next?

If the other parent does not agree to the move, they can file a formal objection. This typically leads to a court hearing where both sides present their case. The court then decides whether to approve the relocation.

This part of the process can feel stressful, especially if communication between co-parents is already strained. That’s why it’s important to talk with an experienced Kansas City child custody attorney so you can be prepared and have a solid legal strategy.

Key Factors Courts Consider in Relocation Cases

At the core of any relocation case is the question: What is in the best interest of the child?

To answer that, judges in Kansas and Missouri will consider:

• The reason for the move
• How the move will impact the child’s education, healthcare, and emotional well-being
• The effect on the child’s relationship with the non-moving parent
• The ability to maintain parenting time, including proposed new schedules
• The history of parental involvement and communication

The more prepared you are to explain how the move benefits your child and how it can support continued contact with the other parent, the better your chances of court approval.

Can Relocation Affect Custody Orders?

Yes, and often does. When a move significantly disrupts the existing child custody arrangement, the court may step in to modify the order so it fits the new situation.

Some common modifications include:

• Creating a long-distance parenting schedule that allows for extended visits
• Shifting parenting time to school breaks, holidays, or long weekends
• Assigning one parent responsibility for transportation or travel costs
• Adjusting holiday and vacation arrangements to keep things balanced

Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that both parents stay meaningfully involved in the child’s life, even when they no longer live nearby.

What Happens If You Move Without Approval?

Relocating with your child without proper notice or court permission can lead to serious legal consequences. Courts in both Kansas and Missouri treat this as a violation of your child custody order.

Potential outcomes include:

• Being ordered to return the child immediately
• Loss of custody or parenting time
• Contempt of court charges
• Modification of custody in favor of the other parent

Even if your intentions are good, skipping the legal process can harm both your custody rights and your child’s emotional stability. Always speak with an attorney before making any big decisions.

Planning a Successful Relocation After Divorce

If you’re considering relocating after divorce, preparation is key. Here are a few steps that can make the process smoother and more likely to succeed in court:

• Start early: Allow enough time to prepare legal filings and communicate with the other parent.
• Document your reasons: Be ready to explain how the move supports your child’s needs.
• Propose a realistic parenting plan: Include details about travel, virtual visits, and long-distance communication.
• Keep communication respectful: Whether through attorneys or direct contact, aim for transparency.
• Work with a family law attorney: Local experience matters, especially when it comes to child custody issues in Kansas City.

Work with a Kansas City Family Law Attorney Before You Move

Whether you’re still considering a move or already facing a child custody challenge, the family law attorneys at Kansas Legal Group can help. We’ll walk you through every step of the process and build a strong case that protects both your rights and your child’s future.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a trusted Kansas City child custody attorney.