Relocation Realities: Navigating Summer Moves with a Seattle Parenting Plan
Summer in the Pacific Northwest often marks a period of transition, but for parents with court-ordered residential schedules, a move involves more than just packing boxes. In Washington, the Child Relocation Act (WRA) establishes a rigorous procedural sequence that must be followed when a residential change necessitates a shift in the child’s school district. At View Ridge Law, our team is dedicated to easing the uncertainty of these transitions by offering practical solutions with a holistic outlook.
The 60-Day Notice Mandate
The cornerstone of the relocation process is the “Notice of Intent to Move with Children” (Form FL Relocate 701). Under RCW 26.09.430, the relocating parent is required to provide formal written notice to every other person who has court-ordered time with the child. This notice must be served at least 60 days prior to the intended date of the relocation with rare exception.
Required Documentation
This notice is not a mere courtesy; it is a jurisdictional prerequisite. It must include the new address, the name of the new school or daycare, and a brief statement of the reasons for the move. If the move will disrupt the current residential schedule, it must be accompanied by a “Proposed Parenting Plan”.
Defining a “School District” Move
For parents in Seattle, the notice requirement is triggered whenever the proposed move is outside of the child’s current school district. Moving from Ballard to West Seattle does not trigger the formal 60-day mandate because both remain within Seattle Public Schools boundaries. However, for intra-district moves, the relocating parent must still provide reasonable, direct notice to ensure the continuity of the existing plan.
The 30-Day Objection Window
Once notice is served, the non-relocating parent has a 30-day window to file a formal “Objection about Moving with Children” (Form FL Relocate 721). If no objection is filed within this period, the relocation is permitted by default. Washington law operates on a rebuttable presumption that the relocation will be permitted, placing the burden of proof on the parent who objects.
Factors for Court Evaluation
If a move is contested, the court must balance 11 statutory factors to decide if the move should be restrained. These include:
- The relative strength and stability of the child’s relationship with each parent.
- The age and developmental stage of the child.
- The quality of life and resources available in both locations.
- Whether the move is being sought in good faith.
Partner with Our Team
Successfully navigating a summer move requires a synchronization of legal and logistical timelines. View Ridge Law provides the skill and knowledge needed to help you understand your rights under the WRA. For related needs we do not offer in-house, such as professional moving logistics or real estate appraisals, we connect our clients with our trusted referral network.
To learn more about charting your path to freedom, explore the first two chapters of Mackenzie Sorich’s book, The Divorce Navigator, available on our website.
Contact our team today at 206-703-0764 or reach out online to schedule a case evaluation.
