What Counts as a “Relocation”
Under Pennsylvania law, a relocation is any change in residence that substantially impairs the other parent’s ability to exercise their custodial rights. That is broader than most people expect. It is not limited to moving out of state. Moving to a new school district or a different county can qualify if it meaningfully affects the other parent’s time and access.
The Relocation Notice Process
Before relocating, Pennsylvania law requires the moving parent to give the other parent formal written notice well in advance, including details about the new location and the reason for the move. That gives the other parent an opportunity to object.
If the parents cannot agree, the matter goes back before a judge, who decides based on the child’s best interest, weighing the reason for the move, the distance involved, and whether the existing relationship with the other parent can realistically be maintained.
What Happens If You Move Without Permission
Relocating without going through this process carries real risk. Courts have the authority to order the child returned, and even short of that, an unauthorized move can result in a revised custody schedule that puts more of the driving and logistical burden on the parent who moved.