Criteria for Allowing Parent Relocation

In affirming Family Court’s allowing a parent’s relocation, the Second Department explained the criteria:

A parent seeking to relocate bears the burden of establishing by a preponderance of the evidence that the proposed move would be in the child’s best interests …. In determining whether relocation is appropriate, the court must consider a number of factors, including the children’s relationship with each parent, the effect of the move on contact with the noncustodial parent, the degree to which the lives of the custodial parent and the child may be enhanced economically, emotionally, and educationally by the move, and each parent’s motives for seeking or opposing the move …. Inasmuch as “[t]he weighing of these various factors requires an evaluation of the testimony, character and sincerity of all the parties involved” …, the Family Court’s credibility determinations are entitled to deference and its decision will be upheld if supported by a sound and substantial basis in the record… . Matter of Pietrafesa v Pietrafesa, 2013 NY Slip Op 05082, 2nd Dept 7-3-13