Shared parenting: What counts as 'relocation'

[ohsooootired]

Hi

My elder child (9) goes to his father at alternate weekends and one overnight a week. (He lives c 2 miles away)This is a longstanding arrangement. The issue is that my life has moved on; new partner, new child. We are desperate for more space & can't afford it in our immediate vicinity.

Lockdown has really brought it home to me as me & current partner struggle to WFH with inadequate space & kids around our feet. (Ex has refused to take a turn in having his child during work week, whilst he works from home)

I don't want to move a long way...am thinking maybe within max 30-40min drive, maybe even less

I know the ex would go ballistic at the prospect of adding just 15min. He is very controlling.

From a legal perspective, what counts as 'relocation'? All the stuff I can see on the internet refers to much more significant moves. But I know he'll run to a lawyer at the first inkling of this

What would be considered 'reasonable', without the ex's permission?

Thanks

It is unlikely to be time/distance that are the deciding factors.

Does he pick them up after school on the days he has them? Will they move school? Does he get involved in their school /education? Who will do the 1hr 20min round trip to transfer them? How much will it eat into his time with them. Can he drive? do they do activities /parties at the weekend dad takes them too. But mainly it is the best interests of the child, will there be any impact on the child and their relationship with their dad being further apart.

If you are serious about moving out the area it is probably best to let him know as soon as possible your plans and if he is not happy attempt to start a mediation process to show how you would mitigate any impact on their relationship.