Can I Move My Child Out of State Without Father's Permission

My question involves a child custody case from the State of: Washington


From my understanding, any court proceedings in Washington would need to be filed 6 months after established residency. This would not be until Jan. 2014.

My son's biodad and I have been separated for a short while (not legally). We do not have a custody arrangement or visitation set up. He doesn't pay child support but is on
our son's birth certificate. We moved back to our hometown area after separating in New Mexico and both agreed to pursue a divorce. He made no contest to me taking our son
with me after the move here. To be honest, they've never had much of a relationship. My "husband" is abusive and I have picture evidence of one incident where he became
physical with me.

I'm having trouble finding a good enough job to support us in this area and my family are not people I want my son around. I wish to move with my son to a different state where
I will have better chances in the job market and would have support. Now, considering my ex's vindictive personality I know he would not like it. My question is, with all of this in
mind, can I move with my son out of state? Or would I legally be in trouble? I only want to do what is best for my child and waiting out another four or five months to even start
legal proceedings will greatly affect how I can provide for him in the time being.

Where do you live now? (not Washington, right? Washington is where you want to move to?)

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Quoting jlgr

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My question involves a child custody case from the State of: Washington


From my understanding, any court proceedings in Washington would need to be filed 6 months after established residency. This would not be until Jan. 2014.

My son's biodad and I have been separated for a short while (not legally). We do not have a custody arrangement or visitation set up. He doesn't pay child support but is on
our son's birth certificate. We moved back to our hometown area after separating in New Mexico and both agreed to pursue a divorce. He made no contest to me taking our son
with me after the move here. To be honest, they've never had much of a relationship. My "husband" is abusive and I have picture evidence of one incident where he became
physical with me.

I'm having trouble finding a good enough job to support us in this area and my family are not people I want my son around. I wish to move with my son to a different state where
I will have better chances in the job market and would have support. Now, considering my ex's vindictive personality I know he would not like it. My question is, with all of this in
mind, can I move with my son out of state? Or would I legally be in trouble? I only want to do what is best for my child and waiting out another four or five months to even start
legal proceedings will greatly affect how I can provide for him in the time being.

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You are going to need to explain things more fully...including the timeline.

Timeline wise:

1) We lived in NM for two years. During that time his father and I married and separated. We've been separated (not legally) since Feb of this year.
2) We agreed upon a divorce and decided to move to WA before pursuing it.
3) We moved to WA in June.
4) My son and I have lived away from my husband since returning here and he hasn't paid anything in form of child support.
5) I want to move out of state (from WA) as soon as possible to pursue better job opportunities.

We don't have custody arrangements and can't start court proceedings until Jan 2014. Will I legally be in trouble for leaving WA before that time in the pursuit of better living and work conditions?

- - - Updated - - -

WA is where I live now

Quote:

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Quoting jlgr

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Timeline wise:

1) We lived in NM for two years. During that time his father and I married and separated. We've been separated (not legally) since Feb of this year.
2) We agreed upon a divorce and decided to move to WA before pursuing it.
3) We moved to WA in June.
4) My son and I have lived away from my husband since returning here and he hasn't paid anything in form of child support.
5) I want to move out of state (from WA) as soon as possible to pursue better job opportunities.

We don't have custody arrangements and can't start court proceedings until Jan 2014. Will I legally be in trouble for leaving WA before that time in the pursuit of better living and work conditions?

- - - Updated - - -

WA is where I live now

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So everybody, including dad, lives in WA now?

If so, yes, it could be problematic for you to move out of WA at this time. You will need dad's or the court's approval to move the child out of state, away from dad.

It would be best to handle your divorce and to attempt to get permission to relocate the child, at the same time.