• Packing to move can be a stressful experience, but in Michigan, if you are divorced, have children and are moving to another state, there are certain laws you must follow.woman packing/unpacking boxes during a relocation. image by T.Tulic from Fotolia.com
  
  In the United States, there are more than two million married couples, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Of those four million plus people, the CDC estimates that nearly half of them will end up divorced. For couples with children, a judge decides issues of custody, including visitation and support payments. In the state of Michigan, the judicial system also gets involved if the parent with primary custody wants to move out of the state.
  
  

Judge's Permission

• In the state of Michigan, a parent with primary custody can move out of state only with the blessing of the court or the approval of the other parent. Every divorce decree in Michigan contains a statement that says the custodial parent cannot move outside of the state without the written permission of the judge.
  
  

Factors to Consider

• When a parent requests a move, the judge will look at four main factors: Will the move improve the child's life? Is the move an attempt to hamper the other parent's visitation rights? How does the noncustodial parent feel about the move? Is there still an opportunity for the other parent to have parenting time?
  
  

Final Decision

• If the judge decides that the move is going to improve the child's life and not hinder the relationship with the noncustodial parent, the judge will likely approve the move. The custodial parent, however, could see a decrease in child support to make up for expenses the other parent will incur while traveling to see the child.