Aggressive Advocates Who Know What's At Stake

Last updated on April 15, 2025

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To help ensure accuracy, this page was written, edited and is periodically reviewed by a knowledgeable team of legal writers per our editorial guidelines. It was approved for publication by founding attorney Samuel Siemon, who has amassed extensive experience as a Georgia family law attorney. Our last modified date shows when the page underwent a review.

Georgia Child Relocation Lawyer

Last updated on September 4, 2026

When a parent considers moving with a child after a divorce or custody order, the situation can quickly become complicated. Georgia law sets clear expectations, and missing a step can affect parental rights and the child’s future. That is why working with a qualified lawyer is essential. They help parents understand their legal duties, respond to objections and present strong arguments that support their child’s well-being while protecting their parental role.

At The Siemon Law Firm Divorce and Family Law Attorneys, P.C., we represent families in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Cumming and Marietta, serving all of northern Georgia. As experienced child custody attorneys, we work closely with our clients to prepare every notice, response and court filing with attention to detail.

What Is The Process To Relocate With Your Child In Georgia?

In Georgia, a custodial parent must provide at least 30 days’ written notice before relocating. This notice must include the new address and the reason for the move. If the other parent objects within that timeframe, the case may proceed to court.

If it goes to the court, you should:

Prepare for a possible objection and court hearing.
Present evidence showing the move supports the child’s best interests.
Address how visitation and parenting time will be affected.

If a dispute arises, the court may review custody arrangements. Children aged 14 or older may choose which parent to live with, while judges may also consider the preferences of children between 11 and 14. Outcomes may include approval of the move, denial or changes to custody terms.

What Factors Do Georgia Courts Consider In Child Relocation Cases?

Georgia courts treat a proposed move as a material change in circumstances, which reopens your existing custody arrangement. Since the Georgia Supreme Court decided Bodne v. Bodne in 2003, no presumption favors the relocating parent. Judges apply the best interests standard under O.C.G.A. § 19-9-3(a), weighing key factors in every relocation hearing:

Reason for the move: A documented job offer, degree program or return to nearby grandparents carries weight. A move designed to limit the other parent’s access does not.
Impact on the parent-child bond: The judge weighs how much parenting time the nonmoving parent actually exercises and whether that relationship can survive the distance.
Educational and community stability: Schools, activities and community support in the new location are measured against what the child has today.
The child’s preference: A child 14 or older may select which parent to live with. The court weighs the wishes of a child between 11 and 14, though the judge makes the final decision.

No single factor decides the outcome. Our attorneys can assemble school reports, employment documents and parenting time logs to support your position.

Why Choose The Siemon Law Firm Divorce and Family Law Attorneys, P.C., For Your Child Custody Relocation?

Relocation cases run on a 30-day clock, so the parent who prepares first usually controls the timeline. At The Siemon Law Firm Divorce and Family Law Attorneys, P.C., our lawyers practice family law and divorce exclusively:

Team mentality: Attorneys and staff review your file together, so more than one person knows your case when a deadline lands.
Size and caseload: As one of the largest family law firms in the state, our lawyers can handle a significant number of custody and divorce cases, including high-asset situations involving multiple properties and retirement accounts.
Recognition: Attorney Sam Siemon was selected for inclusion in the 2012 and 2013 editions of Super Lawyers Rising Stars.
Bar and community involvement: Attorneys Sam Siemon and Josie Siemon are past presidents of the local bar association and members of the Atlanta Bar Association Family Law Section. Our lawyers volunteer locally.

You can contact our legal team today to discuss your relocation options during a confidential consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia Child Relocation

Relocation cases involve strict statutory rules and court procedures. Here are answers to the most common questions we hear about moving with a child under Georgia custody law.

What is considered ‘relocation’ under Georgia child custody law?

Georgia sets no mileage threshold. Any change of residence by a parent with custody or visitation triggers the notice rule, whether the move is across the county or across the country.

How do I contest a proposed child relocation in Georgia?

File a written objection and a petition to modify custody in the court that issued your order, ideally within the 30-day notice period. An attorney can also request a temporary hearing.

What is Georgia’s 30-day relocation notice requirement?

The relocating parent must give written notice at least 30 days before changing residence, including the new address. Notice goes to the other parent and to anyone else granted visitation.

Take The Next Step

If you are considering relocation or facing an objection in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Cumming or Marietta, The Siemon Law Firm Divorce and Family Law Attorneys, P.C., is here to help. Dial 770-215-0947 for a free consultation or fill out our online form to speak with a dedicated attorney who can protect your rights and guide your next steps.