Question:
The divorce papers have been filed but the wife has not fullfilled her obligation of taking the 4 weeks parenting course. She has just informed me that she is accepting a promotion in Los Angeles and is taking the kids. As it states in the divorce papers, we have joint custody. The box is not checked for approval to move more than 60 miles further distant than the other parent without advance notice because good cause exists. Can she do this and do I have any recourse?
Answer:
I am not licensed in the State of Oregon and therefore cannot answer your question specifically to the laws of that State. I am not familiar with the particular aspects of your jurisdictions forms. If I understand the facts a petition for dissolution was filed, a settlement was reached and submitted to the court, but the court has not signed because your wife has not taken the necessary parent education class. If that is correct, file a motion with the court to revoke the settlement, move for temporary custody of your child and proceed with a contested divorce. The fact that she is relocating often gives you an upper hand in a custody dispute.