On what grounds could a father who currently shares joint custody of two children file for removal to aother state? My daughter and Ex-son-in-law have joint custody of their two daughters ages 12 and 14 in Massachusetts where they have lived (and currently live) and worked for over 8 years. They just finalized their divorce and he is now threatening to file for full custody and move to another state where his parents reside. On what grounds and with what events could this actually be granted? This would mean removing two teenage girls from their mother and making it very difficult to see them because of a 4 and a half hour drive each way. He promised to stay here until they were out of high school which would be the best thing for the kids. He has been plotting this for some time we think but we have no idea how he thinks he will win. Any help would be appreciated.

In almost no reason unless mother is neglecting, or a threat to the children.

First this is common and normal threats of the man when they start doing custody agreements. Or he is wanting to do something ( perhaps stop paying support ?)

But first unless he can prove the joint custody is not working, he would not even get full custody.

But even, even if he got full custody, he still could not move, he would have to get her permission to move,

As noted if he got full custody, that does not give him rights to move, just gives him custody, and she would have visit rights, he would have to show she is not visiting.

It sounds like he is really up to something else, and wants to scare her. She needs to talk to a local attorney, have his number and when he starts this bull, just laugh at him and give him the attorneys name.

Thank you, I hope you're right as she is a wonderful mom. I think it's all about hurting her but his family has money which worries me.

Moved to family law