Moved to a city without consent? Consequences of relocating children during divorce

Attorney Yehudit Shem Tov explains that relocating children without the other parent's consent during divorce is an extreme step that harms children's stability and may lead to urgent court orders for their return. Courts view unilateral moves severely and may change custody arrangements to the detriment of the parent who acted in bad faith.

The article, in collaboration with zap legal, presents the position of attorney Yehudit Shem Tov regarding the legal and emotional consequences of relocating children by one parent without the other parent's consent during divorce. She explains that a unilateral move harms children's stability, cuts them off from their familiar environment, and damages the relationship with the other parent. Legally, the Legal Capacity and Guardianship Law requires the consent of both parents for substantive decisions such as determining the place of residence. Courts typically respond firmly to unilateral moves and can order the immediate return of the children. In more severe cases, a travel ban can be issued to prevent taking children out of the country. The article emphasizes that unilateral steps harm the legal position of the parent taking them and the best interests of the children, and recommends strategic and careful management of divorce proceedings.