Parental Relocation Attorney in Minneapolis
One of 15 Board-Certified Family Law Attorneys in Minnesota. Representing Both Sides of Relocation Disputes.
Minnesota law prohibits a parent from moving a child’s residence out of state without either the other parent’s written consent or a court order. When families disagree about a proposed move, the legal stakes are high on both sides. Sobol Family Law represents parents at every stage of a relocation dispute, whether you’re seeking to move or fighting to keep your child close. Attorney Brian Sobol has over 40 years of experience in Minnesota family law and serves clients throughout Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding counties of Hennepin, Anoka, Ramsey, Washington, Dakota, Scott, and Carver.
A relocation dispute can move quickly once a parent files a motion. Call (866) 484-4079 to speak with our firm and get a clear picture of where you stand.
Minnesota’s Relocation Rules Under Minn. Stat. § 518.175
Under Minnesota Statutes section 518.175, subdivision 3, a parent with whom a child resides generally can’t move that child’s residence to another state without either the other parent’s consent or a court order, provided the other parent was granted parenting time in the decree. One important limit: if a court determines that the purpose of a proposed move is to interfere with the other parent’s parenting time, the court must deny the relocation.
When both parents agree, they can put that agreement in writing and submit it to the court for approval. When the other parent objects, the relocating parent must file a formal motion asking the court for permission to proceed.
How Minnesota Courts Decide Relocation Cases
Courts apply the best interests of the child standard, a framework similar to what’s used in custody modification proceedings. Judges must weigh several statutory factors before granting or denying a relocation request.
Factors the court considers:
- The nature and duration of the child’s relationship with each parent
- The child’s age and developmental needs
- The likely impact of the move on the child’s physical, educational, and emotional development
- Whether the non-relocating parent’s relationship can be preserved through an adjusted parenting time schedule
- The child’s preference, if the child is mature enough to express one
- Whether the relocating parent has a pattern of promoting or thwarting the other parent’s relationship with the child
- Each parent’s reasons for seeking or opposing the move
- The effect of any domestic abuse on the child or the relocating parent
The burden of proof generally rests on the parent requesting the move, with one exception: if that parent has been a victim of domestic abuse by the other parent, the burden shifts to the parent opposing relocation.
Why Clients Bring Relocation Cases to Brian Sobol
Relocation disputes typically resolve one of two ways: through a negotiated parenting-time agreement or at a contested evidentiary hearing before a judge. Brian Sobol is both a board-certified trial lawyer and a trained mediator, which means he can pursue whichever path fits your situation rather than steering every case toward litigation by default.
Credentials & Certification
Brian Sobol is one of only 15 attorneys in Minnesota who holds Board Certification in Family Law from the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and a Diplomate of the American College of Family Trial Lawyers. These aren’t honorary titles. They reflect peer review, demonstrated trial performance, and membership in organizations that limit who can join.
Personal Handling of Every Case
Every case Brian Sobol takes goes through him personally. He doesn’t delegate the facts to another attorney, so when a matter proceeds to hearing, he already knows the record.
Testimonials
Read What Satisfied Clients Say About Working with Brian
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“Brian was tenacious in helping me protect my children and was able to uncover our finances to allow us to ultimately reach a fair division of our property and a fair award of support for me and my children.”- Megan C.
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“His work is nothing but extraordinary. What he did for my friend was impossible to even think could be done. Brian did what he would do for his own family.”- Yelena B.
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“His knowledge in a variety of legal aspects is unparalleled. We feel fortunate to have his representation.”- Jeff
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“He made the process of the ordeal as good as it could have been, including the outcome. I would recommend Brian to anyone, who wants an exceptional professional and advocate to represent them in a legal matter.”- Former Client
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“After Brian negotiated my divorce settlement, my ex-husband, surprisingly, delivered the highest compliment, stating "Brian was brilliant."”- Barbara
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“During the past three years Brian helped me through a bitterly contested family law matter.”- David
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“Brian Sobol is methodical in his approach. It takes a long time to move through the family court process but I can sit back now and relax. A highly skilled professional will argue the law and fight for me to see my kids.”- Julie M.
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“I know I won't have need of for Mr. Sobol again. If I did though...Brian Sobol would be the person I would have defend me!”- Tammy G.
Relocation Cases at the Hennepin County Family Justice Center
Minneapolis relocation matters are typically heard at the Hennepin County Family Justice Center, the central courthouse for family law proceedings in the county. Whether you’re preparing to file a relocation motion or respond to one, we know this court and the procedural standards it applies.
If You Want to Relocate with Your Child
Courts have recognized legitimate grounds for relocation, including a documented job opportunity, proximity to extended family, and improved educational options for the child. Identifying and presenting those reasons clearly is the first step. An underdeveloped record can undermine an otherwise strong case.
A parent seeking to move is also expected to propose a parenting-time schedule that genuinely preserves the child’s relationship with the other parent, accounting for travel distance, logistics, and cost. We help you build a realistic proposal that can hold up to scrutiny, then pursue either a consent agreement or a court order depending on how the other parent responds.
If You Are Opposing a Proposed Relocation
A parent who objects to a proposed move must file a written objection with the court. That filing can trigger an evidentiary hearing where a judge weighs the statutory factors and decides whether the move serves the child’s best interests. Courts look closely at the motivation behind an objection. Opposition grounded in the child’s actual needs carries more weight than one that reads as an extension of parental conflict.
We help opposing parents build a record focused on the child’s relationships, stability, and developmental needs, not on relitigating the prior custody case.
Schedule a Consultation to Discuss Your Relocation Matter
Whether you’re planning a move or just learned that the other parent intends to relocate with your child, the steps you take early can shape the outcome. We offer consultations of up to two hours for $350, giving you time to walk through the facts and understand your options.
Contact Sobol Family Law at (866) 484-4079 to schedule your consultation with Brian Sobol.