Relocating for Your Child’s Safety

Seeing your child abused or put in harm’s way can be scary. Relocating is one way to protect your child from harm. You want to do everything you can to protect your child. This is a normal reaction for a concerned parent to have. Sometimes it is necessary to relocate a child who has been abused to prevent contact from the abuser. If the other parent has custody or parenting time rights, however, there are some things you should know before you decide to relocate.

First, know that if your child is in imminent or serious danger, you should make a report to your child protective services (CPS) agency. In New Jersey, CPS is named the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P). A responding investigator may be able to obtain an emergency custody order allowing you to take your child with you. Nonetheless, these orders only provide short-term protection.

Then, you should hire a lawyer to assist you throughout the DCP&P investigation and to fight for permanent custody in court. Our attorneys are available now to assist you and always provide a free initial consultation.