Child Custody Battles and Relocation Nightmares: What Parents Need to Know

If you're a parent considering a move after divorce - or if you're already dealing with a custody agreement - you need to listen to this episode before you pack a single box.In this episode of Lawyers Without Billboards, attorneys Steve Shewmaker, Patty Shewmaker, Jimmy Lewis, and Alexa Lewis from Shewmaker & Lewis dive into one of the most emotionally and legally complex topics in family law: child custody modifications due to relocation.Whether the move is across town or across the country, changing a child's living situation can trigger major legal consequences, especially when there's a custody order in place. This episode covers real-world relocation scenarios - from military reassignments to spontaneous life changes - and explains what not to do when you’re planning a move with your child.👂 You’ll learn:Why relocation custody cases often cost more than the original divorceHow Georgia judges assess “best interests of the child” in relocation mattersThe consequences of moving without notifying the other parentWhat to do when the non-custodial parent relocatesHow child support and parenting time are affected by relocationThe importance of calling a family law attorney before making a move📍 Whether you're a co-parent, military family, or simply navigating post-divorce transitions, this episode offers crucial insights for avoiding costly mistakes and protecting your parental rights.🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more.👉 Visit us at https://www.shewmakerandlewis.com for legal resources, case consultations, and future podcast updates.📍 Recorded in Atlanta, GA | Hosted by Shewmaker & Lewis, Family Law AttorneysChapter Markers | Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction & Nacho Joke Callback  01:47 – Custody vs. Divorce: The Emotional & Financial Stakes  03:14 – Teenagers, Custody, and the Catlike Phase  04:10 – Why Relocation Cases Are So Expensive  05:07 – The High School Sweetheart Move to Ohio  06:08 – When Clients Tell You *Before* They Move  07:01 – The Case That Lost Custody Due to Delay  08:10 – Patty as Guardian ad Litem: When the Move “Stuck”  09:39 – Judges, Punishment, and Best Interests of the Child  10:24 – The Texas Move: What Not to Do  11:14 – Why Relocation Is So Painful & Unpredictable  12:03 – Even In-State Moves Can Trigger Custody Challenges  13:22 – When the Non-Custodial Parent Moves  14:26 – Modifying Visitation and Parenting Schedules  15:02 – Do Judges Care *Why* You're Moving?  16:10 – Child Support Adjustments & Retroactive Deviations  17:03 – Final Thoughts: Always Call a Lawyer Before You Move  18:46 – Quick Tease: International Custody & Hague Convention  19:49 – Hero of the Week: Attorney Rebecca McLaw  21:08 – Outro  #FamilyLaw #ChildCustody #RelocationCases #ParentingAfterDivorce #GeorgiaLaw #CustodyModification #DivorceAttorney #CoParenting #MilitaryDivorce