Parent moving child away

[Torty85]

Looking for some advice. My partner has a very toxic relationship with his ex, going on 8 years! There has been lots of parental alienation to the point that the eldest now has severe emotional problems and refuses contact. The relationship with the youngest is fine. Contact had been chipped away by mum so we went to court to firm up arrangements, which solidified an over night stay once a week and every other weekend. 3 days after the court order was granted, ex has informed us her and the children are moving 4 hours away. She promised better contact and said she would try to improve her behaviour and the co-parenting relationship, but has straight away become difficult and controlling again, booking holidays over his weekends etc. How strong would a prohibited step order be in our case? If she's being obstructive 30mins away, we fear the increased distance is only going to make things worse, and potentially damage the relationship with youngest, and no hopes of reconciliation with the eldest.

I don't know how strong it would be, but I'd do it in his situation even if it was only a tiny chance. With a lawyer if he can afford it, but I'd absolutely self represent if couldn't afford that. A court can't actually stop her from moving, it's just about whether the kids can be moved or not. If she insists she's going with or without the kids then he'd need to be in a position to say that he would have them majority time. Does she have family support where she wants to move? A new job? Without a very compelling reason and given her obstructive behaviour so far I think he'd have a really good shot. I'd be on to a lawyer straight away, apply for SIO and then I'd ask the lawyer but potentially sending her a letter by recorded delivery to say that he doesn't consent to the move. It needs to all be about the best interests of the children. In the majority of cases it's in their best interests to have both parents living nearby and able to be part of their day to day life.

There's a legal section on here that might have some useful advice.

Thank you for your reply. We have money for a solicitor, we used her during the court process. No new job or family support there, says she just wants a fresh start for her and the kids. She definitely wouldn't move without them, she uses them to control him, and I do feel this is his punishment for going to court. We will wait and see if the house goes on the market, she said it won't me till after Easter next year so we have some time to see if it's just games or if she's serious.

Seek a pso immediately. Don’t delay

she will need to demonstrate how it’s in the interests of the children to a court. Not simply that she wants fresh start.

You seem to be passengers to this. Seek legal advice now on what steps to take