KThe new year marks a fresh start and for many people, it can prompt thoughts about moving. When there are children involved, relocation can be a very sensitive and contested subject, especially if you are thinking of a significant move.Â
Whether the move is from London to Manchester or from the UK to another country, the central question is always the same:
Is the proposed move in the best interests of the child?
Post-pandemic working patterns have made internal and international moves more feasible. Courts now regularly see relocation applications motivated by remote jobs, cost-of-living changes, and access to extended family support.
Where you are working with a good co-parent, it can be easy to get the proper consent or court permission. However, when matters are more complicated, it can make your plans to move difficult. In this blog, we look at how relocation cases are dealt with by the court and what you need to consider.Â
Internal Relocation (within the UK)
Moving from one part of the UK to another — for example, Birmingham to Bristol, or England to Scotland — is legally simpler than an overseas move, but still requires consent or a court order if the move will substantially affect contact arrangements.
You MUST obtain the consent of everyone with parental responsibility, or a Specific Issue Order from the family court giving you permission to move with your child.
If you have to seek a court order, the Judge will first and foremost consider the child’s welfare, as well as:
- the impact on the child’s relationship with the other parent
- the practicality of maintaining contact (e.g., travel time, school timetable, costs)
- reasons for the move — housing stability, affordability, family support, job opportunities, safety
- parenting history and ability to meet the child’s needs
- the child’s wishes and feelings (more weight is given as the child grows older)
International Relocation
International relocation requires explicit consent or court permission, even for short-distance moves (e.g., UK to Ireland, UK to France).
You MUST obtain written consent from all with parental responsibility, or a court order permitting the relocation.
If you leave the UK without consent, you risk a child abduction application being made and/or an order for the child to be returned to the UK. You also risk the court taking a negative view of your position in future proceedings.
When the court have to consider an international relocation they look at:
- welfare checklist under the Children Act 1989
- genuineness of the relocating parent’s reasons
- the practicality and realism of the proposed plan
- impact on the left-behind parent
- impact on the relocating parent if refused
- child’s cultural, educational and family ties
- long-distance contact plan (holidays, flights, digital contact, cost-sharing)
When setting out your plan to relocate, you should ensure you deal with the practicalities like school placements, healthcare arrangements, housing and financial stability as well as any language barriers.
What you should think about
Vague proposals fail. Courts expect detailed relocation plans addressing housing, school, income, childcare, and travel.
The relocating parent must actively support the other parent’s relationship with the child, unless unsafe.
Courts dislike proposals that leave parents unable to afford continuing contact so be realistic.
Moves based purely on adult preference — new relationships, lifestyle change, escape from personal boredom — carry little weight unless they also improve the child’s situation.
FAQ’s
Can I move within the UK without permission?
Not if it significantly disrupts contact. Realistically, you need consent or a court order.
Can I move abroad with my child?
Not without written consent from everyone with parental responsibility or court permission.
Will the court let me move if the other parent barely sees the child?
Possibly. Courts look at actual involvement, not just legal status.
Can my ex stop me moving for a new job?
They can challenge it, but the court will decide based on the child’s welfare, not either parent’s preference.
Does my teenager have a say?
Yes. Older children’s views (around age 12+) carry weight – but ultimately the court will decide.
How can we help?
Relocation cases are difficult because they involve two legitimate interests that can’t both be fully satisfied: a parent’s right to rebuild life after separation, and a child’s right to maintain meaningful relationships with both parents.
If you’re considering moving in 2026 — within the UK or abroad — make sure you get legal advice early. We can help you prepare a detailed relocation plan and assist with court proceedings where needed.
