Match Day brings a mix of adrenaline and relief. After years of clinical rotations and board exams, you finally know where your career begins. But for divorced or divorcing doctors and nurses sharing custody in Pennsylvania, a placement at a hospital across the state or over the border creates a legal challenge. A career-defining move does not grant an automatic right to take your children with you.
The sixty day countdown
Pennsylvania law is strict about moving with children when you share custody. Under the state’s custody statutes, a relocation is any move that significantly impacts the other parent’s ability to spend time with the child. You cannot simply pack the car and head to a new residency program without following specific steps and getting either the other parent’s written consent or a court order .
Before moving, you must:
- Provide written notice to every person who has custodial rights with available information, including the new address, new school information (if known) and a proposed revised custody schedule
- Explain why relocating with the child is in his or her best interests
- Send this notice at least 60 days before the move (or within 10 days of learning of the move if 60 days is not possible)
- Give the other parent time to file an objection with the court, which is generally within 30 days of receiving the notice
Failing to follow these steps can expose you to court sanctions and negatively affect custody. The courts may order you to return the child, and you could jeopardize your parenting time and rights.
Beyond professional prestige
Many young doctors think a better job or a higher salary is enough to win a relocation case. However, Pennsylvania courts focus on several factors when deciding whether to change a custody order to reflect a relocation.
The courts also evaluate how the move affects the child’s emotional ties and the feasibility of maintaining a relationship with the parent staying behind. Judges look for a net benefit to the child, not just an advantage for the parent.
Building a bridge to your new career
Navigating a residency move requires a strategy that starts long before the envelopes are opened. Clear communication and a well-drafted custody plan can help you avoid costly, stressful missteps. You have worked hard for your career, and with the right approach, you can protect your relationship with your children while you pursue it.