AAML Fellows Would Limit Relocation

We put absolutely no stock in opinion surveys, but nonetheless we will note, for what it's worth, a quite surprising response from over 500 Fellows of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers who answered a survey propounded by the Academy's Special Concerns of Children Committee. A 94% majority favored "restrictions on the ability of the custodial parent to relocate with the child." Oddly, they produced these responses while enjoying the right to travel in the tolerant, mellow climate of Kauai, Hawaii, site of the AAML's midyear meeting. Nor were the "restrictions" mere notice requirements, for 100% favored those, with repercussions for noncompliance. However, 35% favored a domestic violence exception.

While most opposed any presumption in relocation cases, 93% said the relocating parent should bear the burden of proving the move to be in the child's best interest. The Committee is drafting a Model Relocation Act.