From Indiatimes · TOI World Desk · · 1m 40s
Montana Court Rules 10-Mile Move Won't Change Parenting Plan
Montana Supreme Court says 10 extra driving miles aren't enough to reopen custody arrangements after ex-wife moved home.
In brief
Montana Supreme Court says 10 extra driving miles aren't enough to reopen custody arrangements after ex-wife moved home. Montana Supreme Court upheld a district court decision that 10 extra driving miles from a move don't justify changing a parenting plan. Originally reported by Indiatimes.
Parenting Plan Change Request
A Montana father sought to change his parenting plan after his former wife moved, arguing it made visits harder.
Court Ruling on 10 Miles
The Montana Supreme Court ruled that 10 extra driving miles were not enough to reopen the parenting arrangement.
Case Background
The case began in the Ninth Judicial District Court in Toole County under District Court Cause No. DR-2018-019.
Father's Argument
Justin L. Aikins argued that his former wife's move created practical problems with picking up and dropping off children.
Initial Court Decision
District Judge Gregory L. Bonilla initially rejected the father's request to change the parenting plan.
Appeal Process
Aikins appealed to Montana's highest court after the district court rejected his request.
Legal Threshold
Under Montana family law, courts must focus on keeping children's lives stable and cannot change plans without major changes affecting well-being.
Supreme Court Decision
The justices ruled that small changes in location within the same local area were not enough to reopen a court order.
Mediation Attempt
The case went through mediation but failed to reach an agreement between the parents.
Final Ruling
The Montana Supreme Court upheld the lower court's decision that 10 miles were not a major change justifying a parenting plan modification.
The headline
Montana Supreme Court upheld a district court decision that 10 extra driving miles from a move don't justify changing a parenting plan.
