Can You Move Away With Your Child in Columbia, Maryland?

Moving away with your children in Maryland is very difficult when both parents are involved, because every relocation decision turns on the child's best interests, the rule Todd Mohink helped set when he argued Braun v. Headley. Todd sits down with Brooke Steele to tell the story of the case and walk Columbia parents through what counts as a relocation, who carries the burden, and how Howard County judges decide. Questions answered in this episode: What happened in Braun v. Headley? Does a parent's right to travel outweigh the child's best interests? What counts as a relocation under Maryland law? Who has the burden of proof when a parent wants to move? Is a planned move automatically a material change in circumstances? Does the child's preference matter in a relocation case? What is a best interest attorney? Topics covered: Braun v. Headley, child relocation, published appellate opinions and mandatory authority, the Court of Special Appeals (now the Appellate Court of Maryland), petitions for certiorari, the constitutional right to travel, the best interests of the child, the statutory best-interest factors, military deployment, the Circuit Court for Howard County, material change in circumstances, preponderance of the evidence, the status quo, settlement, magistrates, child interviews in chambers, best interest attorneys, and the UCCJEA. Todd Mohink on Braun v. Headley: "The court found that the best interests of the child were more important than the constitutional right to travel." Todd Mohink on relocating: "It is very difficult to move children without a really good reason." Todd Mohink on moving first: "You as an adult have a right to move, but where the kid gets to go is up to the state of Maryland and the courts here." Todd K. Mohink has spent 30 years in Maryland courtrooms and argued Braun v. Headley. Free consultation: marylandlawhelp.com Phone: 410-766-0113 Office: Columbia, MD Recorded: August 2026 #MarylandChildRelocation #BraunVHeadley #HowardCountyCustody #ColumbiaMDFamilyLaw #BestInterestsOfTheChild #MaterialChangeInCircumstances Recorded August 2026. This episode is general information, not legal advice. Laws change frequently and vary by state, so the discussion here may no longer be current at the time you view or listen to it and may not apply in your jurisdiction. Viewing or listening does not create an attorney-client relationship. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney in your state. Chapters 00:00:00 Welcome back to Maryland Law Explained with Todd Mohink 00:03:17 How Did the Braun v. Headley Relocation Case Begin? 00:05:12 How Did Braun v. Headley Become Binding Maryland Law? 00:07:06 Why Did the Child's Best Interests Outweigh the Right to Travel? 00:08:37 What Factors Decide a Child's Best Interests in Maryland? 00:10:46 How Far Can You Move in Howard County Before It's a Relocation? 00:12:58 Can a Job Offer Justify Moving Away With Your Children? 00:14:42 Who Has the Burden of Proof When a Parent Wants to Relocate in Maryland? 00:16:53 Does a Planned Move Count as a Change in Circumstances for Custody? 00:19:04 How Can Parents Settle a Relocation Dispute Without a Trial? 00:20:37 When Does a Maryland Judge Consider What the Child Wants? 00:23:52 What Is a Best Interest Attorney in Maryland, and Who Pays for One? 00:24:50 Why Hire a Lawyer Who Knows the Howard County Bench? 00:26:35 Todd Mohink's Advice for a Columbia Parent Weighing a Move