The Socioeconomic Trap — Restricted Mobility & Problematic Relocation Doctrine In Family Courts
The relocation doctrine in family courts is a principle that seeks to balance a custodial parent’s right to move for legitimate reasons against the noncustodial parent’s right to maintain a close relationship with their child.
It sounds rational on paper, but it often disproportionately affects women, particularly those attempting to break free from abusive environments and/or those seeking better economic opportunities.
When we consider the concept of mobility, it’s not just about the physical act of moving from one place to another, but also encompasses the broader implications it has on an person’s life.
Economic mobility is, for many, a driving force behind the decision to relocate. The allure of new places often comes with the promise of better job opportunities and a more prosperous life.
For mothers, especially, the ability to move can directly influence their capacity to provide for their children and secure a stable future.
Thus, when they are denied the right to relocate, it doesn’t just limit their geographical movement, but also hinders their potential for economic growth, pushing them deeper into the quagmire of financial instability.
