Relocation and the indissolubility of parenthood

ABSTRACT This article is based upon the findings of a five-year prospective longitudinal study of relocation disputes in Australia, involving interviews with 80 parents and 33 children in 70 families. In the five years following the relocation dispute, much changed for some of these families. A few mothers left without their children; several mothers returned to the original location; some fathers followed. There were also changes in some custody arrangements. The mothers who moved were not surprisingly satisfied with the outcome; however, even mothers who were not allowed to move mostly showed greater improvements in stress levels and mental health than fathers over the five year period, even if the fathers successfully opposed the move. Several mothers adapted to staying if they could see the benefit to their children. All children who moved adapted to the new location and made new friends; however, those who had close relationships with their father found it very hard to be a long distance from him. Drawing upon these interviews, it is argued that decision making in relocation cases must be resolutely child-centered. It cannot be based upon adults’ rights. Children usually benefit from a continuing relationship with a nonresident parent who wants to be involved in their lives. In the adjudication of relocation disputes, careful attention is needed to how close and how developmentally important the child’s relationship is with their nonresident parent. Consideration must also be given to whether the nonresident parent can move to the preferred location of the primary caregiver.