Residency: A Key Factor in Custody Cases
Hi, I’m Clint Hastings, a Tulsa family attorney focusing on fathers’ rights. This is Part 2 of my video series on fitness factors judges consider in custody cases—presented from a more practical, common-sense perspective rather than a legal textbook.
In Part 1, we talked about how employment can affect your case. Now, let’s talk about residency and relocation.
Impact of Residency on Custody Cases
If you’ve moved frequently or your job tends to relocate you every few years, that could hurt your case. It’s not necessarily that you’re unstable, but the court may see that kind of lifestyle as less stable for the kids. Judges care about consistency—same home, same school, same community.
If you were awarded sole custody, you’d have the power to move the kids (pending any objections and hearings), so courts may consider whether relocation is likely. Uprooting kids from friends, family, or school support systems can weigh heavily against a parent.
Stability and Relocation
On the flip side, if you’ve lived in Tulsa long-term and mom has a pattern of moving around, that stability could work in your favor, especially in post-divorce modification cases, where relocation has already disrupted the child’s routine.
Stay tuned for the next video, where we’ll continue breaking down custody fitness factors. I’m Tulsa child custody attorney Clint Hastings. Thanks for watching.
Need Help with Your Custody Case?
If you’re facing a custody battle and need guidance, feel free to reach out for a low-cost consultation. Contact Clint Hastings, Tulsa family attorney focusing on fathers’ rights, at 918-962-0900. Let’s discuss your case and explore your options together.
