Download the 7 Most Important Things To Look For In A Family Law Attorney

Relocation in Minnesota

Helping You Create Your Next Chapter

Areas of Family Law

Getting Started

Book a free guidance call with us. In this call, we will answer any and all questions you may have. There is no obligation if you book a call with us. We are here to help.

Minnesota Relocation Lawyers

Helping You Do What’s Best for Your Family

Relocating with a child can be a challenging process, especially if joint custody is involved. Minnesota law requires parents with partial or joint custody to have a written agreement with the other party—or obtain a court order—before moving a significant distance with their child. Whether you’re pursuing a relocation or opposing one, Johnson/Turner is here to help you navigate the complex legal process with clarity and confidence. Our goal is to ensure that all decisions are made in your child’s best interests.

How Minnesota Courts Handle Relocation Cases

If you wish to relocate a child with whom you share custody, Minnesota law requires that you first notify the other parent, even if you have a majority of the parenting time. It’s best to provide this notice as far in advance as possible, allowing time for potential agreements or court proceedings.

- If Both Parents Agree: If the other parent consents to the relocation, you and your co-parent can create a relocation agreement, which should then be filed with the court. This agreement may include changes to the parenting plan, such as increased virtual communication or adjusted visitation schedules for the non-relocating parent.
- If the Other Parent Objects: When a parent opposes the relocation, they may file a motion with the court, resulting in an evidentiary hearing. During this hearing, both parents present their arguments and supporting evidence to show why the move would benefit or harm the child. After considering the evidence, the judge makes a final decision on whether the relocation can proceed.

What the Court Considers in a Relocation Case

Minnesota courts always prioritize the child’s best interests when deciding on relocation requests. Key factors considered include:

- The Child’s Relationship with Each Parent: The court evaluates the strength of the child’s bond with both parents and the quality of life each provides.
- Developmental Needs: The child’s age, emotional needs, and developmental stage are considered to assess how a move may affect their growth.
- Current Connections: The child’s ties to their community, including relationships with friends, extended family, teachers, and coaches, are carefully reviewed.
- Impact on Parental Relationships: The court considers how relocation might affect the child’s relationship with both parents, including any limitations on regular visitation.
- Potential Stress and Benefits of the Move: The court examines the stressors, such as changing schools, alongside the potential benefits, like access to a better school district or improved quality of life.
- Intentions of Both Parents: The court considers each parent’s motives for requesting or opposing the move, aiming to identify whether the move aligns with the child’s best interests.

Our experienced team at Johnson/Turner will work with you to develop a strong case strategy, ensuring your parental rights are protected while advocating for your goals.

How do we help? Check out our

Family Law Solutions

Why Choose Johnson/turner

Meeting Your Legal Needs

Relocation cases require thorough preparation, detailed documentation, and a strategic approach to demonstrate why a move is or isn’t in the child’s best interests. Johnson/Turner provides comprehensive support throughout this process, including:

Team-Based Support: You’ll have access to a full team, including a relocation attorney, paralegals, a client engagement specialist, and a life coach, providing both legal and emotional support.
Flat-Fee Pricing: Our transparent pricing model means you’ll know the full cost upfront, with no hidden fees. This allows you to focus on your case and your family, not your legal expenses.
Child-Focused Advocacy: Relocation decisions can shape a child’s future, and we approach each case with this in mind. We are dedicated to advocating for your child’s best interests while ensuring you feel confident and supported throughout the process.

At Johnson/Turner, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re seeking to relocate or are concerned about a proposed move, our team has the knowledge and dedication to advocate for you and your family. Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn how we can support you in your relocation case.

Want More Info?

Absolutely no obligation when you reach out for information. You need to make the best decision for you, we hope we can help.

We believe in you

Life Coaching Services

Your legal well-being is our first concern, but we also want to help you create your own story. Matt Tuttle, our resident Life Coach, is here to help you navigate this difficult transition in your life by building on your strengths and abilities. As a client, you receive Matt’s Life Coaching service at no additional charge throughout the duration of your relocation case.