change in status quo - application to court

I have a residence order (preceded by an interim residence order) and my ex had substantial mental health issues. A residence order does not say where the children live, but who they live with. The court only has to be consulted on a propsed move if it is out of the jurisdiction ie abroad and the NRP does not agree. With pre-school age children I would think that changing the actual town where the resident parent lives is fairly irrelevant as moving them would not affect schooling. The status quo is going to be about who is their primary carer at home and not much else I would think.

If your ex has mental health problems that seriously affect her parenting ability then I would say that is by far your strongest card if you want to have the residence changed. You would need to file a residence application with the court on that basis and probably at the directions hearing ask the court to order a psychiatric report. And of course, the practical reality of your life needs to be one thats compatible with having residence of young children. E.g. if you're out most of the day with work you might struggle to convince a court its a realistic idea.

You also need a good solicitor who has experience in cases involving mental health problems in order to get a realistic appraisal of your chances.

I went through a similar process and got the result that was needed.

update - i applied for hearing and am due in court soon. Judge seemed quite interested in other factors, not about the change of address though. However, my point is that I think this change of address is an appropriate time to apply for change of residence - and with the other information I have, with regards to her mental health and her bf breaching a court order, I feel it was worthwhile to apply for the emergency hearing in my case. thanks