Custody

If you move to another state, you may be able to change the state where your custody case is being heard. You will have to ask the judge who is hearing the case in the previous state to change the venue or location of your case. Sometimes your previous or “home state” will allow another state to hear the case instead.¹ However, before moving out of state, please talk to a lawyer for advice on whether or not this would be permitted based on your custody order. Generally, a parent may have to be in agreement with the other parent or get permission from the judge to move out of state.

Changing the state where a case is being heard is often complicated, and as with all custody issues, we recommend that you talk to a lawyer. See our Washington Finding a Lawyer page for legal assistance listings. For general information on changing the location of a court case, go to our Changing a final custody order section.

¹ R.C.W. § 26.27.201