Apparatuses, systems, and methods for a network node to inter-connect with a first secondary node (SN) within a core network. The network node may be a master node and may serve a UE. The first SN may be a source SN. The network node may initiate a change from the first SN to a second SN, which may be a target SN. The network mode may determine data forwarding from the first SN to the second SN and may request, from the first SN, data forwarding intentions prior to initiating the change from the first SN to a second first SN to the second SN. The network node may send, to the first SN, data forwarding instructions (e.g., based, at least in part, on the data forwarding intentions of the first SN) and the data forwarding instructions may include a requirement for the first SN to follow the data forwarding instructions.