Opinion ID: 2090464
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: controlling analysis

Text: We have long held that in considering a motion to remove a minor child to another jurisdiction, the paramount consideration is whether the proposed move is in the best interests of the child. Id.; Evenson v. Evenson, 248 Neb. 719, 538 N.W.2d 746 (1995). In Farnsworth, we clarified the method by which to analyze a motion to remove a minor child. In Farnsworth, we stated that in order to prevail on a motion to remove a minor child to another jurisdiction, the custodial parent must first satisfy the court that he or she has a legitimate reason for leaving the state.... After clearing that threshold, the custodial parent must next demonstrate that it is in the child's best interests to continue living with him or her. (Citation omitted.) (Emphasis supplied.) 257 Neb. at 249, 597 N.W.2d at 598. Evidence of a purported legitimate reason to leave the state can be readily evaluated. If the party seeking removal fails to establish a legitimate reason, the trial court's inquiry is concluded. If, however, the party seeking removal establishes a legitimate reason, then both parties shall present evidence regarding the child's best interests. With respect to the best interests analysis, Farnsworth indicates that the relevant considerations are ordinarily each parent's motive for seeking or opposing the move, the quality of life which would result from the move, and the impact relocation would have on the noncustodial parent's visitation. Under Farnsworth, an appellate analysis ought ordinarily to first analyze the reason for the proposed relocation and then analyze whether the proposed relocation is in the best interests of the children. In its opinion, the Court of Appeals referred to Farnsworth as controlling authority. Nevertheless, in its decision, the Court of Appeals first considered whether the mother had demonstrated that it was in the children's best interests to continue to live with her in Pennsylvania. After having concluded that removal was not in the children's best interests, the Court of Appeals stated we need not decide whether [the mother] proved that she had a legitimate reason for removing them from Nebraska. Jack v. Clinton, No. A-98-1057 1999 WL 1063091 at  (Neb.App. Oct. 19, 1999) (not designated for permanent publication). Furthermore, in the analysis of the children's best interests which it did undertake, the Court of Appeals stated that the mother's  motives for moving to Pennsylvania are (1) increased job opportunities and (2) to be closer to family. (Emphasis supplied.) Id. at . Contrary to the Court of Appeals' analysis, under Farnsworth v. Farnsworth, 257 Neb. 242, 597 N.W.2d 592 (1999) the evidence of job opportunities and presence of extended family go to the reasons for the proposed relocation and whether there is a legitimate reason for leaving the state, rather than the motives for seeking the move which are part of the best interests analysis. Because the threshold determination in a removal case is whether the custodial parent has a legitimate reason for leaving the state, the Court of Appeals' analysis misapplied the approach set forth in Farnsworth when it considered the children's best interests before first considering whether the mother had met the threshold requirement of proving a legitimate interest in moving. In addition to approaching the analysis in a manner reverse to that indicated in Farnsworth, the Court of Appeals misperceived the mother's reason for the relocation with the motive for or against the relocation. Thus, the Court of Appeals' best interests analysis is flawed.