You don’t have to get court approval first, but if your relocation would cause you not to be able to follow your current custody order, then you should get court approval. If approved, a new custody schedule will likely be ordered.
If you relocate first, you may open yourself up to the other parent filing a contempt motion against you. And if you take the children with you as well, the other parent may file a motion to modify the court order with that parent asking for primary custody.
