Relocation Notice

NOTICE OF INTENT TO RELOCATE

Table of Contents

1. Case Caption and Notice Header
2. Distance Threshold and Applicability
3. Required Notice Period
4. Required Contents Per Statute
5. Proposed Modified Custody and Visitation Schedule
6. Good Faith Statement
7. Objection Rights and Timeline
8. Certificate of Service
9. State-Specific Notes

1. Case Caption and Notice Header

IN THE DISTRICT COURT, [________________________________] COUNTY, COLORADO

Case No.: [________________________________]
Division: [________________________________]

NOTICE OF INTENT TO RELOCATE PURSUANT TO C.R.S. § 14-10-129

TO: [NON-RELOCATING PARENT NAME], [ADDRESS], [CITY], [STATE] [ZIP]

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that the undersigned parent intends to relocate the residence of the above-named minor child(ren) as set forth below, in accordance with Colorado Revised Statutes § 14-10-129.

2. Distance Threshold and Applicability

Current Residence of Child(ren): [________________________________]

Current Residence of Non-Relocating Parent: [________________________________]

Proposed New Residence: [________________________________]

Approximate Distance of Move: [____] miles

☐ The proposed relocation is within the State of Colorado.
☐ The proposed relocation is to another state: [________________________________]
☐ The proposed relocation will substantially change the geographical ties between the child(ren) and the non-relocating parent.
☐ The child(ren) resides with the relocating parent a majority of the time.

3. Required Notice Period

4. Required Contents Per Statute

Pursuant to C.R.S. § 14-10-129, the following information is provided:

(a) New Address and Contact Information

(b) New School Information

(c) Reasons for Relocation

The relocating parent seeks to relocate for the following reason(s):

[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

(d) Proposed Revised Parenting Time Plan

See Section 5 below.

5. Proposed Modified Custody and Visitation Schedule

The relocating parent proposes the following modified parenting time schedule:

Regular Parenting Time:
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

Holiday Schedule:
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

Summer/Extended Parenting Time:
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

Transportation Arrangements:
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

Communication Schedule (Phone/Video):
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

6. Good Faith Statement

I, [RELOCATING PARENT NAME], hereby affirm and declare that:

☐ This relocation is sought in good faith and for a legitimate purpose.
☐ The relocation is not primarily motivated by a desire to interfere with the non-relocating parent's parenting time rights.
☐ I have made a good faith effort to propose a revised parenting time plan that preserves the non-relocating parent's relationship with the child(ren).
☐ The information provided in this notice is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.

7. Objection Rights and Timeline

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO NON-RELOCATING PARENT:

Pursuant to C.R.S. § 14-10-129:

1. If you object to the proposed relocation, you must file a motion to prevent relocation or modify parenting time with the court.
2. You should file your motion promptly upon receiving this notice. Colorado law provides that hearings on relocation motions shall be given priority on the court's docket.
3. If you file a timely objection, the court will schedule a hearing to determine whether the relocation is in the best interests of the child(ren).
4. Failure to respond may be treated as acquiescence to the proposed relocation and revised parenting time plan.
5. The court may enter temporary orders regarding the child's residence pending the hearing.

8. Certificate of Service

I, [RELOCATING PARENT NAME], hereby certify that on [__/__/____], I served a true and correct copy of this Notice of Intent to Relocate upon:

[NON-RELOCATING PARENT NAME]
[ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE ZIP]

by the following method:

☐ Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested — Tracking No. [________________________________]
☐ Personal Service by [________________________________]
☐ Hand Delivery
☐ Other method as ordered by the Court: [________________________________]

______________________________________
Signature of Relocating Parent

______________________________________
Printed Name

______________________________________
Date

9. State-Specific Notes

Burden of Proof

Under Colorado case law, the relocating parent bears the initial burden of establishing that the proposed relocation is in good faith and that the proposed revised parenting time plan is reasonable. The non-relocating parent must then demonstrate that the proposed modification is not in the best interests of the child.

Best Interest Factors (C.R.S. § 14-10-124)

Colorado courts consider the following factors:

• The wishes of the child's parents
• The wishes of the child, if of sufficient age and maturity
• The interaction and interrelationship of the child with parents, siblings, and other significant persons
• The child's adjustment to home, school, and community
• The mental and physical health of all individuals involved
• The ability of the parties to encourage the sharing of love, affection, and contact between the child and the other parent
• Whether the past pattern of involvement of the parties reflects a system of values in which parenting time is used to the best advantage of the child
• The physical proximity of the parties to each other as this relates to practical considerations of parenting time
• Whether one parent has been the primary caregiver

Priority Docket

C.R.S. § 14-10-129 mandates that a court hearing on any modification due to relocation shall be given priority on the court's docket, reflecting the time-sensitive nature of relocation disputes.

"Substantially Changes Geographical Ties" Standard

Colorado applies a fact-specific analysis. A move of even 30-50 miles may qualify if it significantly affects school enrollment, daily routines, or the other parent's ability to maintain regular contact. Conversely, a longer-distance move that does not meaningfully alter parenting time logistics may not trigger the statute.

No Automatic Presumption

Unlike some states, Colorado does not grant a presumption in favor of or against relocation. Each case is decided on its individual facts under the best interest standard.

This template is based on Colorado Revised Statutes § 14-10-129 and § 14-10-124 as of the last updated date. Laws are subject to change. Consult a licensed Colorado family law attorney for advice specific to your situation.