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

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
FAMILY COURT — DOMESTIC RELATIONS BRANCH

Case No.: [________________________________]

NOTICE OF INTENT TO RELOCATE

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. This notice is provided in connection with the existing custody order and in accordance with D.C. Code § 16-914.

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 District of Columbia.
☐ The proposed relocation is to Maryland: [________________________________]
☐ The proposed relocation is to Virginia: [________________________________]
☐ The proposed relocation is to another state: [________________________________]
☐ The proposed relocation will materially affect the current custody or visitation arrangement.

3. Required Notice Period

Notice period required by existing custody order or parenting plan: [____] days
☐ The existing custody order includes a relocation notice requirement.
☐ The existing custody order does not address relocation.

4. Required Contents Per Statute

(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 Custody and Visitation Schedule

See Section 5 below.

5. Proposed Modified Custody and Visitation Schedule

The relocating parent proposes the following modified custody and visitation schedule:

Regular Visitation:
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

Holiday Schedule:
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

Summer/Extended Visitation:
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

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 custody or visitation rights.
☐ I have made a good faith effort to propose a revised custody and visitation schedule 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:

Under D.C. law:

1. If you object to the proposed relocation, you should file a motion to modify custody or visitation with the D.C. Superior Court, Family Court.
2. You should file your motion promptly upon receiving this notice to allow the court to schedule a hearing before the proposed move date.
3. You may request emergency or expedited relief if circumstances warrant.
4. The court will evaluate the proposed relocation under the best interests of the child standard set forth in D.C. Code § 16-914(a)(3).
5. Failure to respond may be construed as acquiescence and may affect the court's analysis of the relocation request.
6. The relocating parent should not relocate with the child until a court order is obtained or the parties reach a written agreement, particularly for out-of-District moves.

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 [________________________________]
☐ Service in accordance with D.C. Superior Court rules
☐ Other method as ordered by the Court: [________________________________]

______________________________________
Signature of Relocating Parent

______________________________________
Printed Name

______________________________________
Date

9. State-Specific Notes

Burden of Proof

In D.C., the parent seeking to modify an existing custody arrangement (including through relocation) generally bears the burden of proving that the modification is in the best interests of the child. The relocating parent must demonstrate a material change of circumstances warranting modification.

Best Interest Factors (D.C. Code § 16-914(a)(3))

The court shall consider:

• The wishes of the child as to custodian
• The wishes of the child's parents as to the child's custody
• The interaction and interrelationship of the child with each parent, siblings, and any other person who may emotionally or psychologically affect the child's best interest
• The child's adjustment to home, school, and community
• The mental and physical health of all individuals involved
• The capacity of the parents to communicate and reach shared decisions affecting the child's welfare
• The willingness of the parents to share custody
• The prior involvement of each parent in the child's life
• The geographic proximity of the parental homes as this relates to the practical considerations of the child's residential schedule
• The demands of parental employment
• The age and number of children
• The sincerity of each parent's request
• The parent's ability to financially support a custody arrangement
• The impact on any child of or the parties of the move, including any special needs
• Any other relevant factor

Jurisdictional Considerations

• D.C.'s compact geography means moves to Maryland or Virginia suburbs may seem minor but involve crossing state lines, potentially implicating the UCCJEA (Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act).
• D.C. courts retain jurisdiction under D.C. Code § 16-914.01 even if one parent moves out of the District.
• Moves to nearby jurisdictions (e.g., Bethesda, Arlington) may still be treated as significant relocations if they affect school districts, commute times, or the practical exercise of visitation.

Parenting Plan Requirements

D.C. Code § 16-914(a)(2) authorizes the court to order each parent to submit a detailed parenting plan. When proposing relocation, submitting a revised parenting plan with the motion is strongly recommended.

This template is based on D.C. Code § 16-914 as of the last updated date. Laws are subject to change. Consult a licensed District of Columbia family law attorney for advice specific to your situation.