During divorce and/or separation it is not uncommon for the custodial parent to move out of the marital home with the child. This typically happens for one or a combination of three reasons.

One, the custodial parent decides to move back to his or her hometown with the child.

Two, the breakdown of the marriage has forced a financial reality check and the marital home is no longer feasible on the new income structure.

Three, the non-custodial parent is very stubborn and refuses to leave, which forces the custodial parent to find a new place to live with the child.

No matter what the reason may be, moving a child, especially far enough in which they would have to change schools and miss friends and relatives, carries added anxiety, stress, and overall emotional trauma on the child. Most psychologists, of course taking all issues into consideration, would probably encourage a parent not to move from the marital home with the child unless absolutely necessary. If the custodial parent can remain in the marital home with the child, the child will be much happier and feel much more secure through the divorce and/or separation.