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The Assurance of Child’s Safety Act: What You Need to Know
Relocating can be a difficult and stressful experience, especially when it takes an extended period of time to secure a court date. Not only do individuals have to go through the tedious process of finding a new place to live and packing their belongings, but they also have to figure out how to manage their lives in the interim as they wait for their emergency court hearing.
The logistics of this waiting period can be overwhelming and frustrating, as relocating with a court ruling can be challenging.
With the Assurance of Child’s Safety Act, waiting for a relocation hearing won’t take as long, and families can have a more secure future.
What is the Assurance of Child’s Safety Act?
Passed unanimously in both the House and the Senate, the Assurance of Child’s Safety Act regulates when families can receive an expedited emergency court hearing date for the proposed relocation of a child.
Parents planning to relocate with their child are obligated to provide notice of the relocation at least 90 days before the scheduled move, and the non-moving parent has 20 days to file a petition with the court.
However, there are instances in which emergency hearings cannot be scheduled within that timeframe, and the relocation continues as planned. This new law prioritizes scheduling emergency relocation hearings within the 90-day timeframe so the court can determine if relocation is in the child’s best interests before it is too late.
Who Does The Law Benefit?
This law is aimed to benefit non-moving parents, as well as the entire family involved. With the implementation of the Assurance of Child’s Safety Act, parents are now unable to relocate with their children until the court hearing takes place.
As a result, this benefits non-moving parents, as they will not need to petition for an emergency hearing or worry about their child being relocated before they have a chance to be heard in court. It also benefits the whole family by ensuring the court considers the child’s best interests before relocation occurs, which could potentially prevent issues down the line.
When Will The Law Go Into Effect?
While signed by Governor Wes Moore on May 3, 2023, the Assurance of Child’s Safety Act will not go into effect until October 1, 2023.
How Can This Law Impact My Relocation Case?
Overall, the Assurance of Child’s Safety Act will help families obtain an emergency hearing in a timely manner, rather than months down the road and potentially even after the child relocates.
Professional. Responsive. Results.
The attorneys at Albers & Associates understand that life does not always go according to plan. When unforeseen hardships arise, such as motions for relocation, modifications in custody, or other family law issues, our team is committed to being unwavering advocates for our clients. With offices across Maryland, our experienced lawyers are ready to provide personalized guidance and pursue customized solutions for any legal challenge.
If you are preparing for a potential relocation with your child or have just received a notice of relocation, don’t hesitate to call our firm at (443) 665-8030 and request a no-obligation consultation with one of our attorneys.