In most cases a minor move is a non-issue. It is in circumstances where the parent’s move is such a change that it affects parenting time and disrupts the existing arrangements that are in place. In this situation, either cooperation, negotiation and/or compromise comes into play and as a last resort, an application to Court to determine whether the move is in the best interest of the child. 

The specific procedure that one must follow depends on: 

1. whether the existing arrangement between the guardians or parents  is pursuant to an agreement or a court order; 
2. Whether the agreement or court order was made pursuant to the Family Law Act, BC or the Divorce Act; 
3. The existing parenting arrangements in place; and 
4. Whether the move of the parent or of the parent and child would significantly affect the other parent or guardian’s relationship with the child or children. 

A move by either the parent/guardian or parent/guardian and child/children that would affect the other guardian’s relationship with the child/children is defined as a relocation. This is usually a long distance move to another geographical region that disturbes the existing parenting arrangements currently in place.