Ohio
Do I have to tell the court if I move with my child in Ohio?
Quick answer
Yes, if you are the residential parent. Under R.C. 3109.051(G)(1), a residential parent who intends to move to a residence other than the one specified in the parenting time order must file a notice of intent to relocate with the court that issued the order.
Researched by Dan Martin, Legal Researcher · Published by Onbello Legal · Last updated October 2026
What happens after the notice
Except as provided in R.C. 3109.051(G)(2) to (G)(4), which concern a parent with certain domestic violence convictions or child abuse findings, the court sends a copy of the notice to the other parent. The court, on its own motion or the other parent’s motion, may then schedule a hearing on whether it is in the child’s best interest to revise the parenting time schedule.
The statute does not set a number of days’ notice. County local rules or your order may add requirements.
How a move can affect custody
Whether a parent has established, or plans to establish, a residence outside Ohio is a best interest factor for both custody (R.C. 3109.04(F)(1)(j)) and parenting time (R.C. 3109.051(D)(14)), and the distance between homes is a parenting time factor (R.C. 3109.051(D)(2)). A parent who believes a move changes what is best for the child can move to modify under R.C. 3109.04(E)(1)(a).
Tools and resources
Where to check this
Forms, deadlines, and local rules change. Verify anything on this page against the official self-help resources for your state before you rely on it.
This page is general legal information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney–client relationship. Laws and local rules vary and change. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed family-law attorney in your state.