Reference library

Jurisdiction and topic reference. Each summary links to its complete entry.
Jurisdiction	Best interests	Divorce grounds	Parental relocation
AlabamaState Show summaries Best interests → Case law framework; factor structure: 12 considerations (unnumbered). No numeric age. Devine considers a child's preference when the child has sufficient age and maturity. Section 30-3-152 separately adds joint-custody considerations. Divorce grounds → Complete incompatibility of temperament such that the parties can no longer live together, upon the court’s satisfaction from the testimony; or a court finding of irretrievable breakdown and that further reconciliation attempts are impractical or futile and not in the best interests of the parties or family (§30-2-1(a)(7), (9)). Section 30-2-2 also permits divorce after a final bed-and-board or separate-maintenance judgment has been in force more than two years. Parental relocation → The statute calls the starting point a presumption against the move. Terry applies a shifting burden. The presumption has domestic-violence, initial-custody, and distance exceptions.	Best interestsCase law framework; factor structure: 12 considerations (unnumbered). No numeric age. Devine considers a child's preference when the child has sufficient age and…	Divorce groundsComplete incompatibility of temperament such that the parties can no longer live together, upon the court’s satisfaction from the testimony; or a court finding of…	Parental relocationThe statute calls the starting point a presumption against the move. Terry applies a shifting burden. The presumption has domestic-violence, initial-custody, and…
AlaskaState Show summaries Best interests → Statutory framework; factor structure: 9. Divorce grounds → Incompatibility of temperament supports divorce. A distinct dissolution procedure uses incompatibility causing irremediable breakdown, with requirements that differ for joint and individual petitions. Parental relocation → General best-interest factors with a symmetrical comparison. The modification threshold is identified. No further relocation allocation identified. No general relocation-notice rule identified; order-specific duties may apply.	Best interestsStatutory framework; factor structure: 9.	Divorce groundsIncompatibility of temperament supports divorce. A distinct dissolution procedure uses incompatibility causing irremediable breakdown, with requirements that differ for…	Parental relocationGeneral best-interest factors with a symmetrical comparison. The modification threshold is identified. No further relocation allocation identified. No general…
ArizonaState Show summaries Best interests → Statutory framework; factor structure: 11. Divorce grounds → Ordinary marriage: irretrievable breakdown. A denial produces a hearing and possible reconciliation continuance, not a permanent consent veto. Covenant grounds are separately stated below. Parental relocation → Statutory relocation factors. On the moving parent. 45 days; exceptions apply.	Best interestsStatutory framework; factor structure: 11.	Divorce groundsOrdinary marriage: irretrievable breakdown. A denial produces a hearing and possible reconciliation continuance, not a permanent consent veto. Covenant grounds are…	Parental relocationStatutory relocation factors. On the moving parent. 45 days; exceptions apply.
ArkansasState Show summaries Best interests → No enumeration framework; factor structure: n/a. A change in the law alone is not a material change in circumstances for custody modification. Divorce grounds → 18 continuous months living separate and apart without cohabitation, regardless of fault. Covenant marriages have a separate statutory list. Parental relocation → The presumption requires both a primary-custodian designation and significantly more parenting time. The designation alone is insufficient.	Best interestsNo enumeration framework; factor structure: n/a. A change in the law alone is not a material change in circumstances for custody modification.	Divorce grounds18 continuous months living separate and apart without cohabitation, regardless of fault. Covenant marriages have a separate statutory list.	Parental relocationThe presumption requires both a primary-custodian designation and significantly more parenting time. The designation alone is insufficient.
CaliforniaState Show summaries Best interests → Section 3011(a) has five numbered provisions, four substantive factors; § 3040.5 separately requires consideration of relevant, admissible human-trafficking evidence. Divorce grounds → (a) "Irreconcilable differences, which have caused the irremediable breakdown of the marriage"; (b) "Permanent legal incapacity to make decisions" Parental relocation → The favorable starting point concerns a qualifying custodial parent. Joint physical custody requires a different analysis. Domestic-violence rules can also change the analysis.	Best interestsSection 3011(a) has five numbered provisions, four substantive factors; § 3040.5 separately requires consideration of relevant, admissible human-trafficking evidence.	Divorce grounds(a) "Irreconcilable differences, which have caused the irremediable breakdown of the marriage"; (b) "Permanent legal incapacity to make decisions"	Parental relocationThe favorable starting point concerns a qualifying custodial parent. Joint physical custody requires a different analysis. Domestic-violence rules can also change the…
ColoradoState Show summaries Best interests → Statutory framework; nine parenting-time considerations and a separate evidence and findings rule, plus three decision-making considerations. Divorce grounds → Irretrievable breakdown. If a party denies breakdown under oath or affirmation, the court considers the relevant factors and either makes a breakdown finding or continues for further hearing 35 to 63 days later, or as soon afterward as the court calendar permits (§ 14-10-110(2)). Parental relocation → Statutory relocation factors. Neither parent favored. Notice required; no fixed day count.	Best interestsStatutory framework; nine parenting-time considerations and a separate evidence and findings rule, plus three decision-making considerations.	Divorce groundsIrretrievable breakdown. If a party denies breakdown under oath or affirmation, the court considers the relevant factors and either makes a breakdown finding or…	Parental relocationStatutory relocation factors. Neither parent favored. Notice required; no fixed day count.
ConnecticutState Show summaries Best interests → Statutory framework; factor structure: 17. Divorce grounds → (1) "The marriage has broken down irretrievably"; (2) lived apart "by reason of incompatibility" 18 months with "no reasonable prospect" of reconciliation Parental relocation → Postjudgment § 46b-56d places the burden on the moving parent and sets no advance relocation-notice period. In the listed pending proceedings involving a child, while Practice Book § 25-5 automatic orders are effective, a party vacating the family residence must give the other party or counsel a written communication address within 48 hours of the move, subject to a prior contradictory judicial order. The same order also bars permanent child removal from Connecticut without the other party's written consent or a judicial order.	Best interestsStatutory framework; factor structure: 17.	Divorce grounds(1) "The marriage has broken down irretrievably"; (2) lived apart "by reason of incompatibility" 18 months with "no reasonable prospect" of reconciliation	Parental relocationPostjudgment § 46b-56d places the burden on the moving parent and sets no advance relocation-notice period. In the listed pending proceedings involving a child, while…
DelawareState Show summaries Best interests → Statutory framework; factor structure: 8. Divorce grounds → Irretrievable breakdown with reconciliation improbable is the statutory basis. Section 1505 identifies voluntary separation, respondent misconduct, mental illness and incompatibility as characterizations of breakdown. Parental relocation → Statutory relocation factors. No allocation found. No separate relocation notice rule found; consent or court permission may still be required.	Best interestsStatutory framework; factor structure: 8.	Divorce groundsIrretrievable breakdown with reconciliation improbable is the statutory basis. Section 1505 identifies voluntary separation, respondent misconduct, mental illness and…	Parental relocationStatutory relocation factors. No allocation found. No separate relocation notice rule found; consent or court permission may still be required.
District of ColumbiaD.C. Show summaries Best interests → Statutory framework; factor structure: 17. Divorce grounds → An assertion by one or both parties that they no longer wish to remain married. The statute eliminates a marital-breakdown or separation showing, but jurisdiction and procedural requirements still apply. Parental relocation → Best interest is primary. Courts also weigh additional relocation factors from Estopina when a custody petition includes a relocation request. A party seeking to modify custody carries the burden. No general relocation-notice period identified. Individual custody orders can impose notice.	Best interestsStatutory framework; factor structure: 17.	Divorce groundsAn assertion by one or both parties that they no longer wish to remain married. The statute eliminates a marital-breakdown or separation showing, but jurisdiction and…	Parental relocationBest interest is primary. Courts also weigh additional relocation factors from Estopina when a custody petition includes a relocation request. A party seeking to modify…
FloridaState Show summaries Best interests → Statutory framework; factor structure: 20. Divorce grounds → (a) "The marriage is irretrievably broken"; (b) mental incapacity adjudged for at least 3 years Parental relocation → The mover must first prove best interests. The burden then shifts to the objector. Harman holds that an evenly balanced record at the second step defeats the objection.	Best interestsStatutory framework; factor structure: 20.	Divorce grounds(a) "The marriage is irretrievably broken"; (b) mental incapacity adjudged for at least 3 years	Parental relocationThe mover must first prove best interests. The burden then shifts to the objector. Harman holds that an evenly balanced record at the second step defeats the objection.
GeorgiaState Show summaries Best interests → Statutory framework; factor structure: 17. Divorce grounds → (13) "The marriage is irretrievably broken" Parental relocation → General best-interest factors. Ordinary modification. 30 days; exceptions apply.	Best interestsStatutory framework; factor structure: 17.	Divorce grounds(13) "The marriage is irretrievably broken"	Parental relocationGeneral best-interest factors. Ordinary modification. 30 days; exceptions apply.
HawaiiState Show summaries Best interests → Statutory framework; factor structure: 16. Factors (5) and (11) in § 571-46(b) are not considered when the court determines that a parent committed family violence. Section 571-46(a)(9) separately creates a rebuttable presumption against sole custody, joint legal custody or joint physical custody with the perpetrator. Divorce grounds → Four grounds: irretrievable breakdown, expiration of a qualifying bed-and-board separation decree, at least two years apart under a separate-maintenance decree, or two years apart with no reasonable likelihood of resumed cohabitation and the additional statutory findings. Parental relocation → Fisher declines a requested primary-caretaker preference and gives no single factor presumptive paramount weight. No modern decision allocates a general relocation burden; Gillespie’s 1953 burden statement was narrowed by Estrella in 1959, and later-treatment review is limited. Electronic visitation cannot justify relocation.	Best interestsStatutory framework; factor structure: 16. Factors (5) and (11) in § 571-46(b) are not considered when the court determines that a parent committed family violence.…	Divorce groundsFour grounds: irretrievable breakdown, expiration of a qualifying bed-and-board separation decree, at least two years apart under a separate-maintenance decree, or two…	Parental relocationFisher declines a requested primary-caretaker preference and gives no single factor presumptive paramount weight. No modern decision allocates a general relocation…
IdahoState Show summaries Best interests → Statutory framework; factor structure: 7. Divorce grounds → "Irreconcilable differences" Parental relocation → Court-made relocation factors. On the moving parent. No separate relocation notice rule found; consent or court permission may still be required.	Best interestsStatutory framework; factor structure: 7.	Divorce grounds"Irreconcilable differences"	Parental relocationCourt-made relocation factors. On the moving parent. No separate relocation notice rule found; consent or court permission may still be required.
IllinoisState Show summaries Best interests → Statutory framework; factor structure: 17 + 15. Divorce grounds → Irreconcilable differences causing irretrievable breakdown, with reconciliation efforts failed or impracticable and further attempts contrary to the family’s best interests. Parental relocation → Statutory relocation factors. On the moving parent. 60 days; exceptions apply.	Best interestsStatutory framework; factor structure: 17 + 15.	Divorce groundsIrreconcilable differences causing irretrievable breakdown, with reconciliation efforts failed or impracticable and further attempts contrary to the family’s best…	Parental relocationStatutory relocation factors. On the moving parent. 60 days; exceptions apply.
IndianaState Show summaries Best interests → Statutory framework; factor structure: 9. Divorce grounds → "Irretrievable breakdown of the marriage" Parental relocation → Statutory relocation factors. Shifting burden. 30 days; exceptions apply.	Best interestsStatutory framework; factor structure: 9.	Divorce grounds"Irretrievable breakdown of the marriage"	Parental relocationStatutory relocation factors. Shifting burden. 30 days; exceptions apply.
IowaState Show summaries Best interests → Statutory framework; factor structure: 11, (3)(a)–(k). Subsection 3 of § 598.41 does not apply when the parents agree to joint custody under subsection 4. Divorce grounds → "breakdown of the marriage relationship to the extent that the legitimate objects of matrimony have been destroyed and there remains no reasonable likelihood that the marriage can be preserved" Parental relocation → The 150-mile provision permits a material-change finding. It does not automatically establish one or decide the child’s best interests.	Best interestsStatutory framework; factor structure: 11, (3)(a)–(k). Subsection 3 of § 598.41 does not apply when the parents agree to joint custody under subsection 4.	Divorce grounds"breakdown of the marriage relationship to the extent that the legitimate objects of matrimony have been destroyed and there remains no reasonable likelihood that the…	Parental relocationThe 150-mile provision permits a material-change finding. It does not automatically establish one or decide the child’s best interests.
KansasState Show summaries Best interests → Statutory framework; factor structure: 18. Divorce grounds → "Incompatibility" Parental relocation → Statutory relocation factors. Ordinary modification. 30 days; exceptions apply.	Best interestsStatutory framework; factor structure: 18.	Divorce grounds"Incompatibility"	Parental relocationStatutory relocation factors. Ordinary modification. 30 days; exceptions apply.
KentuckyState Show summaries Best interests → Statutory framework; 12 lettered factors after prior consideration and findings on specified allegations. Divorce grounds → Irretrievable breakdown. The court must also find the spouses have lived apart for at least 60 days. Parental relocation → General best-interest factors; the relief sought determines the custody or timesharing modification standard. The statewide rule requires filing and service before the move and provides twenty-day motion windows; local rules and orders may add requirements.	Best interestsStatutory framework; 12 lettered factors after prior consideration and findings on specified allegations.	Divorce groundsIrretrievable breakdown. The court must also find the spouses have lived apart for at least 60 days.	Parental relocationGeneral best-interest factors; the relief sought determines the custody or timesharing modification standard. The statewide rule requires filing and service before the…
LouisianaState Show summaries Best interests → Statutory framework; factor structure: 14. Divorce grounds → Ordinary marriage: continuous separation for 180 days without minor children or 365 days with minor children. Article 103(1) uses separation completed before the petition. Article 102 uses a post-service or written-waiver procedure. Parental relocation → Statutory relocation factors. On the moving parent. 60 days; exceptions apply.	Best interestsStatutory framework; factor structure: 14.	Divorce groundsOrdinary marriage: continuous separation for 180 days without minor children or 365 days with minor children. Article 103(1) uses separation completed before the…	Parental relocationStatutory relocation factors. On the moving parent. 60 days; exceptions apply.
MaineState Show summaries Best interests → Statutory framework; factor structure: 19. Separately, § 1653(6-B) provides a rebuttable presumption concerning jeopardy and contact when the court finds specified child-related sexual-offense convictions or an adjudication of sexual abuse. The conditions and an age exception appear in the statute. Divorce grounds → "Irreconcilable marital differences" Parental relocation → General best-interest factors. Ordinary modification. 30 days; exceptions apply.	Best interestsStatutory framework; factor structure: 19. Separately, § 1653(6-B) provides a rebuttable presumption concerning jeopardy and contact when the court finds specified…	Divorce grounds"Irreconcilable marital differences"	Parental relocationGeneral best-interest factors. Ordinary modification. 30 days; exceptions apply.
MarylandState Show summaries Best interests → Statutory framework; factor structure: 16. Maryland Rule 9-204.2(d), as amended effective July 1, 2026, requires the court reviewing the parties' joint statement to address the § 9-201(a) factors and articulate findings under § 9-201(b). Divorce grounds → "6-month separation," "irreconcilable differences," "mutual consent" Parental relocation → Equal footing applies after the party seeking modification establishes a material change. Ninety-day notice exists only if the court orders it.	Best interestsStatutory framework; factor structure: 16. Maryland Rule 9-204.2(d), as amended effective July 1, 2026, requires the court reviewing the parties' joint statement to…	Divorce grounds"6-month separation," "irreconcilable differences," "mutual consent"	Parental relocationEqual footing applies after the party seeking modification establishes a material change. Ninety-day notice exists only if the court orders it.
MassachusettsState Show summaries Best interests → Statutory custody standards with specified mandatory considerations, rather than one comprehensive numbered factor list. Section 56 limits reliance on certain out-of-state laws and findings concerning gender-affirming health care, subject to its Massachusetts-law exception. It also requires consideration of likely disruption or cessation of care in the stated circumstances when a court alters custody, parenting time or visitation. It is not a general enumerated custody factor. Divorce grounds → "irretrievable breakdown of the marriage" (§§ 1A, 1B) Parental relocation → Court-made relocation factors. On the moving parent. No separate relocation notice rule found; consent or court permission may still be required.	Best interestsStatutory custody standards with specified mandatory considerations, rather than one comprehensive numbered factor list. Section 56 limits reliance on certain…	Divorce grounds"irretrievable breakdown of the marriage" (§§ 1A, 1B)	Parental relocationCourt-made relocation factors. On the moving parent. No separate relocation notice rule found; consent or court permission may still be required.
MichiganState Show summaries Best interests → Statutory framework; factor structure: 12. Divorce grounds → "breakdown of the marriage relationship to the extent that the objects of matrimony have been destroyed and there remains no reasonable likelihood that the marriage can be preserved" Parental relocation → Applicable statutory relocation factors and custodial-environment analysis. Sole legal custody exempts the parent from the 100-mile factors; Sulaica requires the further environment inquiry where physical custody is shared. Out-of-state court approval and prompt address reporting are separate requirements.	Best interestsStatutory framework; factor structure: 12.	Divorce grounds"breakdown of the marriage relationship to the extent that the objects of matrimony have been destroyed and there remains no reasonable likelihood that the marriage can…	Parental relocationApplicable statutory relocation factors and custodial-environment analysis. Sole legal custody exempts the parent from the 100-mile factors; Sulaica requires the further…
MinnesotaState Show summaries Best interests → Statutory framework; factor structure: 12. Divorce grounds → "irretrievable breakdown of the marriage relationship" Parental relocation → The mover ordinarily bears the burden. A finding that the mover was the other parent’s domestic-abuse victim shifts the burden to the objector.	Best interestsStatutory framework; factor structure: 12.	Divorce grounds"irretrievable breakdown of the marriage relationship"	Parental relocationThe mover ordinarily bears the burden. A finding that the mover was the other parent’s domestic-abuse victim shifts the burden to the objector.
MississippiState Show summaries Best interests → Case-law framework; ten editorial groupings of Albright’s unnumbered considerations, including a catch-all. Divorce grounds → Irreconcilable differences under § 93-5-2 requires agreement resolving the specified issues or written consent submitting disputed issues for decision. A contest or denial blocks this ground unless withdrawn in the manner the statute permits. Parental relocation → General best-interest factors. Ordinary modification. No separate relocation notice rule found; consent or court permission may still be required.	Best interestsCase-law framework; ten editorial groupings of Albright’s unnumbered considerations, including a catch-all.	Divorce groundsIrreconcilable differences under § 93-5-2 requires agreement resolving the specified issues or written consent submitting disputed issues for decision. A contest or…	Parental relocationGeneral best-interest factors. Ordinary modification. No separate relocation notice rule found; consent or court permission may still be required.
MissouriState Show summaries Best interests → Statutory framework; factor structure: 8. Divorce grounds → Irretrievable breakdown. If denied under oath, § 452.320 requires one of five specified facts: intolerable adultery, unreasonable-to-live-with behavior, six-month abandonment, 12 months apart by mutual consent, or 24 months apart. Parental relocation → For child relocation, the mover proves good faith and best interests; ordinarily notice is sixty days and a parent’s motion window is thirty days after receipt. Whether a temporary parent-only move requires notice remains unresolved; the cases read construe child moves and the temporary-absence exclusion. Abraham (S.D. 2011) requires strict compliance with the notice requirement and declares conflict with the 'absolute right' reading in Baxley.	Best interestsStatutory framework; factor structure: 8.	Divorce groundsIrretrievable breakdown. If denied under oath, § 452.320 requires one of five specified facts: intolerable adultery, unreasonable-to-live-with behavior, six-month…	Parental relocationFor child relocation, the mover proves good faith and best interests; ordinarily notice is sixty days and a parent’s motion window is thirty days after receipt. Whether…
MontanaState Show summaries Best interests → Statutory framework; factor structure: 13. Divorce grounds → Irretrievable breakdown supported by serious marital discord or living separate and apart for more than 180 days. On denial, § 40-4-107 permits an evidentiary determination or a 30- to 60-day continuance. Parental relocation → Statutory relocation factors. On the moving parent. 30 days; exceptions apply.	Best interestsStatutory framework; factor structure: 13.	Divorce groundsIrretrievable breakdown supported by serious marital discord or living separate and apart for more than 180 days. On denial, § 40-4-107 permits an evidentiary…	Parental relocationStatutory relocation factors. On the moving parent. 30 days; exceptions apply.
NebraskaState Show summaries Best interests → Hybrid framework; factor structure: 6 + 5 mandates. The burden and special written findings in § 43-2932 depend on the specified factual findings. Section 43-2932 is not an unqualified presumption against every parent. Divorce grounds → "the marriage is irretrievably broken," § 42-361 Parental relocation → Farnsworth’s out-of-state removal framework is case-law based; a complaint-to-modify statute and parenting-plan address notice also apply. No general relocation advance period identified.	Best interestsHybrid framework; factor structure: 6 + 5 mandates. The burden and special written findings in § 43-2932 depend on the specified factual findings. Section 43-2932 is not…	Divorce grounds"the marriage is irretrievably broken," § 42-361	Parental relocationFarnsworth’s out-of-state removal framework is case-law based; a complaint-to-modify statute and parenting-plan address notice also apply. No general relocation advance…
NevadaState Show summaries Best interests → Statutory framework; factor structure: 12. Divorce grounds → "Incompatibility," § 125.010(3). Also one year separate and apart without cohabitation, § 125.010(2) Parental relocation → Statutory relocation factors. On the moving parent. No separate relocation notice rule found; consent or court permission may still be required.	Best interestsStatutory framework; factor structure: 12.	Divorce grounds"Incompatibility," § 125.010(3). Also one year separate and apart without cohabitation, § 125.010(2)	Parental relocationStatutory relocation factors. On the moving parent. No separate relocation notice rule found; consent or court permission may still be required.
New HampshireState Show summaries Best interests → Statutory framework; factor structure: 13. RSA 461-A:6, I-b, effective September 13, 2026, limits consideration as an adverse factor of a parent's raising a child consistent with the child's biological sex, including the examples in the statute. It does not limit consideration of other legally relevant best-interest factors. Divorce grounds → "irreconcilable differences which have caused the irremediable breakdown of the marriage," § 458:7-a Parental relocation → Statute, no factor list. Shifting burden. 60 days; exceptions apply.	Best interestsStatutory framework; factor structure: 13. RSA 461-A:6, I-b, effective September 13, 2026, limits consideration as an adverse factor of a parent's raising a child…	Divorce grounds"irreconcilable differences which have caused the irremediable breakdown of the marriage," § 458:7-a	Parental relocationStatute, no factor list. Shifting burden. 60 days; exceptions apply.
New JerseyState Show summaries Best interests → Statutory framework; 15 semicolon-delimited considerations. Divorce grounds → Irreconcilable differences causing breakdown for at least six months, with no reasonable prospect of reconciliation. Alternatively, 18 consecutive months apart in different habitations with no reasonable prospect of reconciliation. Parental relocation → Bisbing applies best interests to parents sharing legal custody. The survey found no published post-Bisbing decision resolving sole legal custody.	Best interestsStatutory framework; 15 semicolon-delimited considerations.	Divorce groundsIrreconcilable differences causing breakdown for at least six months, with no reasonable prospect of reconciliation. Alternatively, 18 consecutive months apart in…	Parental relocationBisbing applies best interests to parents sharing legal custody. The survey found no published post-Bisbing decision resolving sole legal custody.
New MexicoState Show summaries Best interests → Statutory framework; factor structure: 5 + 9. Sections 40-4-9(A) and 40-4-9.1(B) address different inquiries. The nine joint-custody factors are not necessarily required to modify an existing joint-custody arrangement. See Davis v. Voss, No. A-1-CA-43097, ¶ 13 (N.M. Ct. App. 2026) (non-precedential). Divorce grounds → Incompatibility, defined as discord or conflict of personalities destroying the legitimate ends of the marriage relationship and preventing any reasonable expectation of reconciliation. Parental relocation → Equal footing concerns joint custodians. Jaramillo reserved whether the older sole-custodian presumption survives.	Best interestsStatutory framework; factor structure: 5 + 9. Sections 40-4-9(A) and 40-4-9.1(B) address different inquiries. The nine joint-custody factors are not necessarily required…	Divorce groundsIncompatibility, defined as discord or conflict of personalities destroying the legitimate ends of the marriage relationship and preventing any reasonable expectation of…	Parental relocationEqual footing concerns joint custodians. Jaramillo reserved whether the older sole-custodian presumption survives.
New YorkState Show summaries Best interests → Case law framework; factor structure: n/a. Divorce grounds → Irretrievable breakdown for at least six months, asserted under oath by one spouse, with § 170(7) ancillary issues resolved before judgment. Conversion routes now require six months living apart after a qualifying decree or agreement, with the specified compliance and filing requirements. Parental relocation → Court-made relocation factors; moving parent bears the best-interest burden. No general advance-notice period identified; order-specific restrictions may apply.	Best interestsCase law framework; factor structure: n/a.	Divorce groundsIrretrievable breakdown for at least six months, asserted under oath by one spouse, with § 170(7) ancillary issues resolved before judgment. Conversion routes now…	Parental relocationCourt-made relocation factors; moving parent bears the best-interest burden. No general advance-notice period identified; order-specific restrictions may apply.
North CarolinaState Show summaries Best interests → No numbered general factor list. Section 50-13.2(a) requires all relevant factors, including domestic violence and child and party safety. Divorce grounds → One year living separate and apart under § 50-6. Section 50-5.1 provides a separate three-year separation route involving incurable mental illness and required medical proof. Parental relocation → Neither parent is favored on best interests after the modification movant establishes the required substantial change.	Best interestsNo numbered general factor list. Section 50-13.2(a) requires all relevant factors, including domestic violence and child and party safety.	Divorce groundsOne year living separate and apart under § 50-6. Section 50-5.1 provides a separate three-year separation route involving incurable mental illness and required medical…	Parental relocationNeither parent is favored on best interests after the modification movant establishes the required substantial change.
North DakotaState Show summaries Best interests → Statutory framework; factor structure: 13. Divorce grounds → § 14-05-03(7) "Irreconcilable differences," defined § 14-05-09.1 as "substantial reasons for not continuing the marriage" Parental relocation → Court-made relocation factors. On the moving parent. No separate relocation notice rule found; consent or court permission may still be required.	Best interestsStatutory framework; factor structure: 13.	Divorce grounds§ 14-05-03(7) "Irreconcilable differences," defined § 14-05-09.1 as "substantial reasons for not continuing the marriage"	Parental relocationCourt-made relocation factors. On the moving parent. No separate relocation notice rule found; consent or court permission may still be required.
OhioState Show summaries Best interests → Statutory framework; factor structure: 10 + 5. Divorce grounds → § 3105.01(K) "Incompatibility, unless denied by either party", § 3105.01(J) living apart one year Parental relocation → General best-interest factors. Ordinary modification. Notice required; no fixed day count.	Best interestsStatutory framework; factor structure: 10 + 5.	Divorce grounds§ 3105.01(K) "Incompatibility, unless denied by either party", § 3105.01(J) living apart one year	Parental relocationGeneral best-interest factors. Ordinary modification. Notice required; no fixed day count.
OklahomaState Show summaries Best interests → No enumeration framework; factor structure: n/a. Separately, § 110.1 states that the court may provide substantially equal access on a parent's request unless it finds shared parenting detrimental to the child. Duggan v. Duggan describes § 110.1 as an equal-access presumption in a joint-custody modification case. Divorce grounds → § 101, Seventh: "Incompatibility" Parental relocation → Statutory relocation factors. Shifting burden. 60 days; exceptions apply.	Best interestsNo enumeration framework; factor structure: n/a. Separately, § 110.1 states that the court may provide substantially equal access on a parent's request unless it finds…	Divorce grounds§ 101, Seventh: "Incompatibility"	Parental relocationStatutory relocation factors. Shifting burden. 60 days; exceptions apply.
OregonState Show summaries Best interests → Statutory framework; factor structure: 6. Divorce grounds → Irreconcilable differences causing irremediable breakdown under § 107.025. The additional § 107.015 eligibility conditions must also be included in an inventory of grounds for dissolution. Parental relocation → No general relocation burden allocation identified. Cooksey’s attributed result remains that the moving parent offered no evidence of benefit to the child; ordinary custody-modification requirements are separate.	Best interestsStatutory framework; factor structure: 6.	Divorce groundsIrreconcilable differences causing irremediable breakdown under § 107.025. The additional § 107.015 eligibility conditions must also be included in an inventory of…	Parental relocationNo general relocation burden allocation identified. Cooksey’s attributed result remains that the moving parent offered no evidence of benefit to the child; ordinary…
PennsylvaniaState Show summaries Best interests → Statutory framework; factor structure: 14. Divorce grounds → Irretrievable breakdown with mutual-consent affidavits after 90 days under § 3301(c), including its presumed-consent provision for specified criminal convictions. Alternatively, breakdown and one year apart under § 3301(d). Parental relocation → Statutory relocation factors. On the moving parent. 60 days; exceptions apply.	Best interestsStatutory framework; factor structure: 14.	Divorce groundsIrretrievable breakdown with mutual-consent affidavits after 90 days under § 3301(c), including its presumed-consent provision for specified criminal convictions.…	Parental relocationStatutory relocation factors. On the moving parent. 60 days; exceptions apply.
Rhode IslandState Show summaries Best interests → Case law framework; factor structure: 8. Parker describes the eight factors as nonexclusive, and Pettinato requires considering the combination and interaction of all relevant factors. Divorce grounds → § 15-5-3.1(a): "irreconcilable differences which have caused the irremediable breakdown of the marriage," decreed "irrespective of the fault of either party" Parental relocation → Court-made relocation factors. Initial custody: equal burdens; post-judgment allocation unresolved in the cited cases. No general advance notice period identified; conditional 48-hour address notice and permanent-removal restrictions apply.	Best interestsCase law framework; factor structure: 8. Parker describes the eight factors as nonexclusive, and Pettinato requires considering the combination and interaction of all…	Divorce grounds§ 15-5-3.1(a): "irreconcilable differences which have caused the irremediable breakdown of the marriage," decreed "irrespective of the fault of either party"	Parental relocationCourt-made relocation factors. Initial custody: equal burdens; post-judgment allocation unresolved in the cited cases. No general advance notice period identified…