Moving with your child is one of the most legally complex decisions a parent can make.

The Legal Reality. 

Illinois law doesn't allow a parent to simply move with a child when there's an existing parenting order in place. If the other parent objects, you need court approval — and the standard isn't whether the move is good for you. It's whether the move serves your child's best interests. It's a high bar, and how you present your case matters can determine your child's future.

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What Counts as Relocation Under Illinois Law?

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Not every move triggers the relocation statute. Illinois law defines relocation based on distance and geography:

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If your current residence is in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, or Will County, a move of more than 25 miles from the child's current home constitutes relocation. If you live outside those counties, the threshold is 50 miles. Any move outside of Illinois is relocation regardless of distance.

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If your proposed move meets these thresholds and the other parent has parenting time, you cannot move without either their written agreement or a court order authorizing the relocation.

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If You Want to Relocate

The strength of a relocation case depends on how well you can demonstrate that the move serves your child's best interests.  We help relocating parents build that case: documenting the reasons for the move, identifying the concrete benefits for the child at the new location, and proposing a detailed revised parenting plan that shows the court a realistic path for maintaining the child's relationship with both parents after the move.

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If You're Opposing Relocation

A parent opposing relocation has the right to be heard, and Illinois courts take that seriously. Relocation fundamentally reshapes a child's relationship with the non-relocating parent. We represent parents who are fighting to keep their child close. That means challenging the relocating parent's reasons, presenting evidence about the child's current connections and stability, and proposing alternatives that serve the child's interests without permanently diminishing your role in their life.

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We’ve seen relocation cases from both sides. We have represented parents seeking permission to relocate, as well as parents fighting to keep their child in Illinois.

Regardless of your position, it's crucial; that you understand the facts, build the strongest possible record, and focusing on what the judge is required to consider.

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In Illinois, 750 ILCS 5/609.2 outlines the factors a judge must evaluate in a relocation case. If those factors are ignored, underdeveloped, or poorly presented, the result can have a lasting impact on your parenting schedule, your child’s stability, and your ability to remain meaningfully involved in your child’s life.

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Relocation cases move on tight timelines. If you're considering a move — or just received notice that your co-parent is — contact us before anything is filed.

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LaRocque Law serves clients in Cook County, DuPage County, and Will County.