Receiving PCS orders when you share joint custody of your children adds a layer of stress that most service members are not fully prepared for. Unlike deployment, a PCS move follows Missouri’s standard relocation rules, meaning your custody arrangement does not automatically adjust because the military is moving you.
The steps you take before you relocate can significantly affect your relationship with your children going forward.
Missouri requires 60 days written notice before you move
If you plan to relocate your child’s principal residence for 90 days or more, you must send written notice to the other parent by certified mail at least 60 days before the move. That notice must include:
- The new address and phone number, if known
- The date of the move
- Your reasons for relocating
- A proposed revised custody schedule
- A warning that the other parent has 30 days to file a motion to prevent the move
Failing to send proper notice can work against you in court, result in an order to return your child to Missouri, or require you to pay the other parent’s legal fees.
Your Existing Custody Order Will Need to Be Modified
A PCS move does not automatically change your custody order. If you and the other parent agree on a revised parenting plan, you can submit that written agreement and a signed joint affidavit to the court for approval. The new schedule only becomes legally enforceable once the court formally enters the modified order.
If you cannot agree, a judge will decide based on your child’s best interest, weighing factors like:
- Each parent’s relationship with the child
- The reason for the move
- The impact on the child’s schooling and daily routine
- How realistically can both parents maintain meaningful contact from a distance
Either way, having a legally enforceable order in place before you report to your new duty station protects both you and your children.
Your parental rights move with you
The 60-day notice requirement and the court modification process move quickly, and a misstep early on can put you at a disadvantage before you even arrive at your new duty station. Under Missouri law, your military status alone cannot make you an unfit parent, and an attorney experienced in military family law can make sure the court sees the full picture of who you are as a parent.
Speaking with an experienced lawyer who understands both Missouri law and the realities of military life can help you protect your parental rights and give your children the stability they need during the transition.
