I have a friend of mine who is in a very bad marriage, they are still married - no legal separation has been established. No court ordered custody has been established.
What are the laws pertaining to the Father leaving the state of Nevada, with his four year old son, and relocating to Washington State?
The Father has concerns for the child's welfare. Can he just take his child and relocate or would it be considered kidnapping? If so, what legal steps should be taken? Thank you for your reply in advance.

Sincerely,
Someone who cares

I am not a lawyer but the child belongs to both parents. If he has concerns for his child's welfare why is he still married?

I see the faces of kids on milk cartons who've been taken by a parent. I think it's considered kidnapping/abduction, but that's obvious, no?

Since you are married, the presumption is for joint custody of the child. But to take the child out of state, you need your wife's consent or a court decree. If you file for legal separation, the court can address custody of the child in the separation order. BUt you need consent or a court order for longterm moving outside a vacation or a trip of some kind.