Recently a client asked me how to convince the Court to allow them to move out of state and take their kids with them. We talked about the nature of the proposed move and the fact that the other parent would likely oppose the move. Our Courts really do not like kids to move out of New Mexico even if the moving custodial parent has good solid reasons for the move. If you are the custodial parent and wish to relocate and take your children with you, and the other parent is uncooperative, you will need the Court's permission. An evidentiary hearing will likely be held and you will need an expert. The expert is a licensed psychologist who focuses on custody evaluations. One key thing I stressed to my client was the importance of an expert witness in terms of convincing the powers that be to grant your petition.Often times parents do not wish to pay for an expert thinking it to be an extravagance. However this hearing is often times the only shot at the Court seriously entertaining your request. The same idea was expressed throughout a recent two-day educational institute I attended on custody issues. I'm not trying to refer people to an expert, but simply to help you understand their importance.