So far my ex-partner and I have been able to agree about our parenting arrangements and we have had pretty good communication with a few rough patches. My boss just told me there might be a chance for me to get a promotion if I am willing to move interstate when the company opens a new branch in a year or two. I don’t want to upset my ex by talking about it now if it is never going to happen but at the same time I don’t want to have to choose between a good career move and seeing my children.
Lawyer Answers (1): Answers from lawyers are general preliminary responses. They are not formal legal advice and cannot taken account of all your circumstances. They do not create a lawyer–client relationship.
Answer by Pearl Beaumont, Penrith 2570 NSW
- This is a reasonable concern. People’s circumstances change and no one can predict the future. You may get along well now but if a disagreement comes up in the future this could change.
- If you are getting along well try to put something into your consent orders or parenting plan about relocation even if it is not an issue at this time. This means that if it comes up in the future there is already an agreement in place.
- You should consider how much time your children are currently spending with you and how you could manage to spend that time with them if you were living interstate. This may mean that you arrange to take them in the school holidays. You will need to make sure that you can take your own holidays at the same time.
- If your ex is reluctant to agree you should explore with her what her concerns are. She might be concerned about the travel costs or want to have some holiday time with the children herself.