Child Relocation Lawyers
Serving Parents in Orange, Osceola & Seminole Counties
Divorced or unmarried parents who share custody of a child generally have some type of parenting plan that includes how they will share access to the child between them. This usually involves the child having overnights with both parents per a timesharing schedule. This requires reasonable proximity between the two households so that the child can travel back and forth. When the need for parental relocation arises, regardless of the underlying reason, it will impact the timesharing rights of the non-moving parent.
If you are involved in a relocation matter, whether as the relocating parent or the other parent, Longwell Lawyers can provide the representation you need. Our Orlando attorneys have years of experience handling all aspects of Florida divorce and family law, including the matter of child relocation. Our depth of experience, trial skills, and dedication to excellent service will all work in your favor when seeking or contesting this critical matter, whether through negotiation between parties or in family court.
Child Relocation in Florida
Child relocation means that a parent will change his or her primary residence from the place of residence that was established in the custody arrangements currently in effect. However, under Florida law, a relocation is a minimum of 50 miles away and will be for at least 60 days.
Courts will only approve a relocation of this or a greater distance when it proves to be in the best interests of the child. Thus, if you are the relocating parent, you will have to provide the court with convincing evidence to that effect.
We’ll Be Your Advocate
If you and the other parent can agree on the relocation in writing, you can file it with the court. You will need to provide the court with a new custody/timesharing schedule along with any child transportation arrangements. If the other parent does not request a hearing on the matter, the court will likely surmise that the move-away is in the child’s best interests.
These moves can be based on such changes as having obtained new and better employment, remarriages, moving closer to extended family, educational opportunities, and more.
If the other parent does not agree to the relocation, you will have to file a petition with the court. The petition will need to be served on the other parent. It will need to state all the details about the proposed move including the specifics on why the move is needed along with a proposed revised parenting plan that will accommodate the non-moving parent. Then a hearing will be conducted in court where the matter will be decided.
