In Michigan, if parents share joint legal custody, a parent generally cannot move more than 100 miles away from the child’s current residence, or move out of state, without court approval (unless the other parent consents in writing).

The court will consider factors such as the reason for the move, whether it improves quality of life for the parent and child, the impact on the child’s relationship with the other parent, and whether parenting time can be reasonably preserved.

Relocation is one of the more complex custody issues, and it’s important to seek legal advice before making plans, as moving without court approval can have serious consequences for custody and parenting time.