Relocation is one of the most difficult circumstances in family law. If your ex has regular visitation with the kids and protests this at all, you could be in for some major stumbling blocks...putting your house up for sale might have been premature.

You're doing the right things in trying to prove your case...you're going to try to prove that there's a better situation for the kids financially and that they'll be in better schools. But understand, if your ex protests this move, you've got a major hill to climb because moving the kids out of their current circumstances and away from their father is a HUGE deal for the courts. Understand that what you're technically doing in the eyes of the court is taking away the other person's parenting rights without their consent.

My advice, get permission to move before you do anything permanent. And make a Plan B to stay where you are because there's a strong possibility if you don't have your ex's consent that you can leave but the kids can't. By the way, the ages of the kids will come into play here too. The younger they are, the more issues you'll have.

The other option is to attempt to reach an agreement with your ex to get his permission to move. This may involve you paying for transportation costs for regular visits to him, giving him additional time on holidays and vacations, etc.

The courts take one position only...what's in the best interest of the children. And having two parents in the kid's lives is one of the most important factors in having emotionally healthy kids.

Courts will give lip service to his protest of the move to make it seem like they are struggling with the decision, but generally, they allow moves that women request. Go for it. Courts generally assume that mothers know best, and as we know, they always do. Kids don't really need the sperm donor. In no time, they'll embrace step dad as their dad. Just work hard to ensure the court keeps the support check coming to you - moves can be more expensive than you think.