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When a relationship has broken down, one parent may want to relocate within the UK or another country – taking their child with them. Living arrangements for children is a significant consideration when parents separate and our expert child relocation solicitors will help you through the process.
What is Child Relocation?
Child relocation is when one parent or legal guardian wants to take the child to live in a separate area of the UK or internationally, often as a result of separation or divorce.
In England and Wales, children cannot be moved from their country of residence without the consent of everyone who holds parental responsibility for them, or the court’s permission. This includes where the move is to Scotland or Northern Ireland.
We can help you If an amicable agreement is not possible, we can advise you about alternative ways of resolving the dispute (such as mediation) and advise you about the the court process.
Our team of family solicitors are experts in representing parents and children in relocation cases. It needn’t necessarily be about an overseas relocation; we also advise in situations where one parent wants to move away but without going abroad.
Our advice is clear and independent, and based on many years’ experience of children, families, and the law.
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What to Expect From Our Child Relocation Solicitors?
Our experienced, specialist solicitors are experts in their field and the large team at TV Edwards is nationally renowned for excellence in family law. We will meet with you and talk to you about your situation, your aims and your priorities. You will always be at the centre of your case. We will advise you in a straightforward and clear manner and plan a personalised strategy to solve your legal problem. We will then work with absolute dedication to bring about that resolution.
You can expect our solicitors to provide a kind and empathetic approach by listening to and understanding your needs every step of the way.
Why Choose TV Edwards?
Our specialist family team is top ranked in Chambers UK and highly commended in the Legal 500 2025 legal directories. The department has been recognised in The Times as a top 20 firm for family law in their 2025 guide.
Having a large team of dedicated and specialist solicitors means that we can advise in a wide range of family cases, including divorce, finances and children. Our specialist expert divorce solicitors handle complex cases with significant assets. Our specialist children lawyers are often at the forefront of family law handling groundbreaking cases in the high court and court of appeal. At the heart of every case is the individual we represent.
We are passionate about the work do and are committed to provide exceptional client service to get you the best possible outcome in often stressful circumstances.
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Child Relocation Frequently Asked Questions
When Do I Need A Child Relocation Lawyer?
You will need to make an arrangement with the other parent or get the permission of the court if you are planning to relocate your child a significant distance, either within the same country or another one.
A Child Relocation solicitor is needed when the parents cannot come to a mutual decision and either negotiation is required or one parent needs to make an application to the court.
What Factors Are Considered In A Child Relocation Case?
- Child’s age
- Child’s wishes and where they want to be
- Education needs/ lifestyle disruption
- Relationship with each parent
- Current arrangements
- Reasons for the relocation
- Impact on the child’s well-being (emotional and physical)
- Distance of relocation
How Much Does A Child Relocation Lawyer Cost?
Cost will depend on a number of factors specific to the case. In our first meeting we will discuss with you the possible costs in a clear, transparent way. See our funding guide for more information.
Do You Need The Other Parent’s Consent To Relocate My Child?
Relocation can have a significant impact on a child’s life and therefore if you’re planning to move away, you need the other parent’s consent. You cannot relocate a child a significant distance without consent. This is particularly important if the child spends time with each parent – you need to stick to any agreements that are in place until you have resolved the issue of a possible relocation, if you do not, it could harm the weight of your argument either in favour of a relocation or in opposition to it.
What Happens If The Other Parent Doesn’t Agree To Relocation?
If the other parent doesn’t consent, this can be taken to mediation. If mediation does not result in an agreement, it may be necessary to ask the court to assist. The court has the power to permit a relocation and the court will make a decision after knowing the context and factors involve. A child relocation solicitor can help you through the process.
How Long Does A Child Relocation Case Take?
There is no set timescale for a child relocation case, as it depends on the complexity of the circumstances. It could be 6-18 months but will depend on a variety of factors.
What Happens If I Relocate My Child Without Permission?
If you relocate a child without the other parent’s consent, legal action can be taken against you and could be classed as child abduction. Typically, the first stage will be to bring the child back to their previous location. However, this can also provoke a legal application by the other parent to change the living arrangements for the child and even criminal charges as a result.
Can A Relocation Decision Be Appealed?
Yes, a relocation decision can be appealed, if you feel like there are grounds to overturn the decision. This is a highly specialised area of law and you would need to show that the judge was “plainly wrong” or crucial information has come to light which was not available to the judge when they made the decision.
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