Can I relocate with my child after separation?
How the answer differs across 9 jurisdictions
GermanyFull article Yes, but only if it serves the child’s best interests and both parents agree—or a court approves the move after reviewing its impact on the child’s welfare and the non-custodial parent’s rights.
CanadaFull article Yes, you can move to another city with your child after separation, but you must give formal notice to the other parent and may need court approval if they object.
AustraliaFull article Yes, you may be able to stop the move — the court must decide whether it’s in the children’s best interests, and the parent wanting to relocate must apply for permission if it would substantially affect the other parent’s time with the children.
IrelandFull article Yes, if you are a guardian and wish to relocate your child permanently outside Ireland, you generally need the consent of all other guardians — or court permission if consent is refused or unobtainable.
SingaporeFull article No, you cannot relocate overseas with your child after divorce without the other parent’s consent or a court order. The court will decide based on the child’s welfare as the paramount consideration.
No, you cannot relocate abroad with your child after divorce without either the other parent’s consent or court permission.
US-CaliforniaFull article Yes, you can relocate with your child after a custody order in California, but only if you get court approval or the other parent’s written consent — otherwise, moving more than 50 miles or out of state may violate the order and risk contempt.
US-New YorkFull article Yes, but only with court approval or the other parent’s written consent — moving more than 25 miles from your current residence or outside New York State is considered a 'relocation' under New York law.
European UnionFull article Yes, you generally need your ex-partner’s consent to relocate with your child to another EU country — unless a court has granted you sole parental responsibility or explicitly authorised the move.
Read Full Articles
GermanyCan I move to another city with my child after separation?
CanadaCan I move to another city with my child after separation?
AustraliaMy ex wants to move overseas with our children. Can I stop them?
IrelandI want to relocate with my child. Do I need permission?
SingaporeCan I relocate overseas with my child after divorce?
UKCan I relocate abroad with my child after divorce?
US-CaliforniaCan I relocate with my child after a custody order in California?
US-New YorkCan I relocate with my child after a divorce in New York?
European UnionI want to relocate with my child to another EU country. Do I need my ex's consent?Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: June 2026.