Whatever challenge your family is facing right now, relocating with your child is a decision that demands clarity, empathy, and specialist support. Each Child Relocation Solicitor at Reeds Solicitors will provide you with expert guidance and compassion, whilst always putting the child’s needs front and center. We deeply understand the emotional and practical complexities involved when relocating your child within the UK or moving abroad from England and Wales. Our dedicated team of Family Law Solicitors specialises in international and domestic child relocation cases.
Reeds Solicitors combines legal knowledge with a sensitive, client-centred approach. Unlike many law firms, we recognise that families come in different forms. We do not fit everyone into the same mould. Our firm prides itself on inclusive and tailored legal support. Every relocation case is unique. We invest time to listen and understand your reasons for moving, your child’s needs, your support network in the destination country, and how contact will continue. This enables us to build a relocation application that reflects your priorities and addresses the court’s concerns.
Choosing Reeds Solicitors means choosing a trusted partner with a proven track record in relocation law. Our solicitors are accredited members of the Law Society’s Children Panel and Resolution. We uphold the highest standards of client care and deliver honest, plainspoken advice. We genuinely understand how nerve-wracking this process can feel, and we commit to guiding you with reassurance, clear communication, and practical steps to the outcome you need.
When you decide to relocate your child, everyday counts. Delays in seeking consent or legal advice can weaken your position. Whether you plan to move in six weeks or six months, it is essential to act early. Let us help you navigate the legal requirements, produce a solid relocation plan, and protect your child’s best interests.
Your relocation journey is possible with the right legal support and an individual plan designed around your family’s future.
Reach out to a Reeds Child Relocation Solicitor today if you are planning to relocate your child within the UK or abroad. Contact us via our website contact page, call 0333 240 7373, or email [email protected].
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How Our Child Relocation Solicitors Can Help
Our Family Law and Care Proceedings team include accredited members of the Law Society’s Children’s Panel and members of Resolution. All have extensive experience and expertise in family matters, with some having contributed to books and articles on the subject. Our Care Proceedings Solicitors are instructed by members of the public, professional agencies such as CAFCASS, and Local Authorities.
We will be firm when it comes to protecting your rights, the best interests of your children, and achieving the best outcome. But we believe family law is ultimately about people and understanding how devasting and emotional matters such as divorce, care proceedings, and child abduction can be. You are never just a client number to us; your Child Relocation Solicitor will be there to support you and give you legal advice and representation you can trust.
Some family law matters, such as getting Non-Molestation Orders and Port Orders for potential child abductions, require speed and tenacity to ensure you are protected. We know how the Court system works and have robust relationships with Local Authorities and the Police. Our Divorce Solicitors are familiar with common tactics used to stall financial settlement proceedings, especially in international and high-net-worth divorces. They will proactively enact strategies to ensure your case keeps moving forward.
Our Family Law Solicitors can help you with a full range of family matters, including but not limited to divorce, high net worth divorce, children’s law, care proceedings and PLO meetings, child abduction, Non-Molestation Orders and Occupation Orders, and more. Regardless of how complicated your case is, we can provide the expertise and experience you need.
Family law matters, especially those involving high net worth divorce and children, can be extremely sensitive. Rest assured, all discussions and information shared with your Child Relocation Solicitor are strictly confidential. Your privacy and reputation are paramount to us.
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FAQ
Child relocation refers to one parent moving a child to a new place, either within the UK or abroad. If both parents have parental responsibility, the relocating parent must seek consent from the other. If permission is not given, the parent must apply to the Family Court for permission. Moving a child without this may be treated as child abduction if the relocation is international.
Yes, if you believe the move will negatively affect your child or your contact with them, you can apply for a Prohibited Steps Order. The court will consider the child’s best interests, the impact on their education and relationships, and whether the move is necessary or well-planned. Your views, as a parent with parental responsibility, will be taken seriously but the court’s first priority is your child’s welfare.
The court’s priority is the child’s welfare. Factors include the motivation behind the move, the impact on the child’s routine, how contact with the other parent will be managed, and how settled the child is in their current environment. The court expects a full, realistic plan from the parent seeking to relocate.
Moving a child abroad without permission from the other parent or the court is a criminal offence and may lead to arrest, court proceedings, and return of the child if the country you and your child have moved to is party to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction or has an agreement with the UK concerning child returns.
Domestic moves without agreement could also be challenged in court. The court could order you to return the child to their previous home.
Technically, you do not need permission to move within the UK. However, if there is a Child Arrangement Order in place, you need to facilitate contact with the other parent as set out in the Order. If this cannot be done due to distance, you need to seek legal advice as the Order will need to be varied.
It is well-established through case law that the correct approach if you want to move to another part of the country with your child is to get the consent of the court.