The bill amends Title 23 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to update the process of child custody relocation. It introduces a new Section 5337.1, which outlines the conditions for relocation, and repeals the previous Section 5337. Under the new provisions, a relocating party must file a custody complaint or petition for relocation, providing detailed information about the move, including the new address, reasons for relocating, and a revised custody schedule. The bill also establishes a notification timeline, requiring at least 60 days' notice before the proposed relocation, or 10 days if the relocating party was unaware of the move. If the nonrelocating party does not object within 20 days, they are presumed to consent to the relocation.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that if a court approves a relocation, it must modify existing custody orders or establish new terms. The court is required to consider specific factors related to the child's best interests, such as the child's relationship with both parents and any history of abuse. The burden of proof lies with the relocating party to demonstrate that the move serves the child's best interests, and noncompliance with the new provisions may result in sanctions. The bill clarifies that relocating before a hearing does not create a presumption in favor of the relocation. The act will take effect 60 days after passage.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 2087 (Jul 07, 2025): 23-5323(c)