In the majority of divorce and separation proceedings, both involved spouses will receive legal advice to communicate through legal representative channels. The spouses shouldn’t speak to each other about their marital problems, especially without a legal representative present. This becomes particularly important if there’s an acrimonious divorce that prevents the spouses from having constructive conversations. In these cases, the attorneys act as the proxy for the spouses, exchanging important information and keeping both spouses informed about the proceedings.
There have been some cases in which spouses stay in contact with each other, discussing their children and household possessions up until the finalization of the divorce. This arrangement can sometimes turn sour, and communication is often strained. It’s common for valuable information to become lost. Both parties then run the risk of being shut out of important divorce proceedings. In the worst cases, one of the spouses may be charged with negligent behavior. This can cause the court to rule in favor of the other party.
If a divorced or divorcing couple has shared custody of their children, it might be necessary for one spouse to tell their attorney that they’ve changed their address. They may also need to file a notification in court. Depending on the custody arrangements, the spouse might not be permitted to move out of the state. Alternatively, out-of-state moves might require court authorization. The spouse’s divorce attorney will be familiar with the case circumstances. They’ll explain all the important information about changing your address when you move.
When both the spouse and their legal representation fail to tell the other legal representatives or spouse about the change of address, it can lead to complications in child custody battles. The court may believe that the moved spouse is intentionally trying to keep the other spouse from their children. There may be legal consequences that are in favor of another parent. You might explain that you could not locate your spouse to inform them, but this claim is often hard to prove, and the judge might have an adverse interpretation of your efforts.
If you and your ex are on good terms, good faith efforts are an important part of the divorce proceeding. This is particularly true when children are involved. Many divorces should be a mediation rather than a bloody trial in a courtroom. One of the good faith efforts is to inform your spouse if you’re moving. You should tell them about the move prior to the actual move. Give them your new address so they can continue honoring any temporary or permanent custody arrangements.
Additionally, you need to inform your divorce lawyer about your moving plans. They can make sure your plans don’t exceed any potential limitations placed by the court. If there are rules regarding where you can or cannot move, the lawyer will explain them to you. This is essential, as it will keep you from accidentally breaking laws.
Your attorney will continue to be helpful after the initial announcement. They can help you file the paperwork necessary to inform the court of your address change. Sometimes they’re able to complete the paperwork themselves, and you don’t need to do anything. If the court requires an official register of the move, your attorney will know what papers need to be handled. If there’s anything preventing you from moving, your attorney will make a plan for how to deal with those barriers.
If you plan to move, a change of address must be filed with your post office, utility companies, creditors, and any other people who routinely send you mail. Your divorce lawyer may be helpful for this as well. If your bills are part of the divorce proceeding, your attorney can help you organize and separate them properly.
A change of address doesn’t always involve minor children, but it often does. The address change is often made on one spouse’s behalf. If the relevant bills are not separated according to the terms in the divorce agreement, the ex-spouse may be late on their payments. This might result in late fees and a lowering of their credit score.
Where the court is concerned, both parties are expected to work together toward a mature financial resolution. Ideally, this process is aided and guided by their attorneys. It’s important that neither of the spouses be unjustly responsible for expenses that aren’t theirs.
The best thing you can do is work with your lawyer to make sure your ex remains updated about your living situation. This will also help keep you in good standing with the court.