The parent seeking relocation of the children out of the school district is required to give written notice to the other parent. A summary of the relocation laws are contained in the Parenting Plan form. Relocation may mean a move to another school district nearby or a long distance move. If the other parent objects, the objecting parent must timely file and serve an Objection, This begin a process in which the court will hear from both parents and decide whether to allow the move on a temporary basis and/or permanently. Action needs to be taken quickly; a shortened trial schedule will be provided when an Objection is filed.
A primary residential parent is presumed to be able to relocate with the child(ren), but that presumption may be rebutted by the objecting parent based on factors in the relocation statute. If the parents have relatively equal residential time, there is no presumption. The Court makes the decision based upon the best interests of the child(ren), using the same relocation factors. In very limited situations, a nonparent may object to the relocation. (RCW 26.09.540)