Child custody issue

Moving from texas to Scotland with 15 yr old daughter..She wants to live with me and future step dad for at least a year.  Dad says its ok, but Texas courts are concerned about "parental abudaction " possibility. Claim they need to keep a "line" on her in case something happens to pull her back to USA??? Her lawyer is frantically trying to find a compromise.to satisfy Tx court Has anyone else gone thru this???

If you, Daughter AND her father all say it's fine, will that not suffice? 

If not, maybe just a "contract" between the three of you that says there will be a re-evaluation of circumstance in 1 year?

Good luck!!

There must be more to this situation than you've told us.  For instance, I took my son from Maryland.  There was a pre-arranged agreement between his father and I -- no lawyers or court involved.

If you tell us how the courts became involved with your daughter, we may be able to give you better advice.  At the moment I'm a bit baffled because if both parents agree, I fail to see how 'parental abduction' can occur.

I agree-- all she should need is a notarized letter from the dad giving her permission, the courts shouldn't have to be involved unless there is more going on.

Helena

If you and your ex have already agreed on this, how did the courts even know about it? 

The courts would know, because you have to report any change in residence, or status regarding the child. (Another Texan here )  I think that all you have to do is provide a notorized document that states you and your ex both consent to this, as well as your daughter.

Ah I see, thanks Tebs.

Yeah, even tho the girls were to live with their dad, when I moved here, I had to inform the courts. 

Tebs, is there a reason that Texas Courts feel the need to track the physical location of parents and children?  I know it could be viewed as a safety measure, but it does sound a bit draconian.

Tebs, is there a reason that Texas Courts feel the need to track the physical location of parents and children? I know it could be viewed as a safety measure, but it does sound a bit draconian.

um c'mon we are talking Texas here!!! home of the Bushmen... don't surprise me in the least

I have no idea Cait.    I was a little concerned when I brought the girls over here for a visit after I moved here, so had my ex write a letter saying they were leaving the country with his permission.  I don't know how it works in other states.  I think partly it's to do with making sure any child support payments are taken care of, and that they know where all parties involved with it are. I felt bit like a criminal when I write the letter saying I was moving overseas. But even if I moved to another state, I still would have had to do that. Also, if I move from here, I have to let them know I moved. I may be mistaken on this bit,, but I think even any change of employment status has to be disclosed to the court.  I think anytime you are dealing with children after a divorce, the courts get funny,, but I only know how Texas is.

For the OP tho,, I think you need to have primary custody of your daughter.  Best to seek the advice of an attorny probably, to make sure of what would be required for sure.

My ex signed a consent form giving me permission to bring the kids to the UK. He had it notorized and it was included in our divorce decree. We never had to go to court. Of course now he is schlepping me into court anyway but its not about the custody but about the visitation. It seems to me if the parents can work it out between themselves then the courts shouldnt have to be involved.