Can You Relocate with a Child After Divorce?

Divorce causes many changes to the family structure, but those changes don’t always stop after the divorce is finalized. Many issues continue to pop up along the way. One of the most common is when a custodial parent wants to relocate with their child. Perhaps they found better schooling for the child, or maybe they were offered a great job that’s out of state, or even out of the country. When this is the case, what does Florida law say about it? Are parents allowed to relocate with their children?

What is Considered a Relocation?

If you’re only moving across town with your child, you can likely do so without obtaining permission from the other parent or the courts. This is not considered a relocation. However, under Florida Statute 61.13001, when a parent moves 50 miles away or further, and intends to stay in the new location for more than 60 days, it is considered a relocation. Relocation is not an issue with temporary moves for the purpose of taking a vacation, education, or providing the child with medical care.

Relocation when the Other Parent Agrees

If you and your ex-spouse both agree to the relocation, you can draft a written agreement. This agreement must include:

• Written agreement to the relocation from both parents
• A time-sharing schedule that allows the parent not relocating access to the child
• How transportation of the child will work

After drafting and signing this agreement, you can then file it with the courts. You will not likely have to attend a formal hearing.

Relocation when the Other Parent Doesn’t Agree

Many times, the non-locating parent doesn’t agree to the relocation of their child. If this is the case, you must file a petition to relocate with the court. This is then served to your ex-spouse. Your petition must include:

• The address and phone number of your new home
• The date you wish to relocate
• The reason for the relocation and proof, such as a written employment contract
• Your proposed visitation schedule
• A written plan for transporting the child

After your ex-spouse receives the notice, they have 20 days to file a response. This should include reasons for objecting to the relocation, and how much time the non-relocating parent spends with the child. If they do not respond, the court may automatically grant the relocation. If your ex-spouse does reply to your petition, a judge will hear from both sides and weigh what is in the best interests of the child.

If a judge does not grant your relocation and you move anyway, you may face serious consequences, such as charges of contempt.

Need Help with Your Petition? Call Our Florida Family Law Attorneys

Filing a petition for relocation after divorce is complex. The burden of proof lies with you to show that you are moving, at least partially, for the child’s benefit and the move is not to your sole advantage. At All Family Law Group, our Tampa divorce attorneys can help you with this element of proof. We will also ensure you take all the necessary steps, so you can move forward with your new life while still complying with the law. Contact the Tampa divorce attorneys and family lawyers at All Family Law Group, P.A. for a free consultation.

Resource:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/0061.html

https://www.familymaritallaw.com/what-happens-with-children-and-property-during-a-divorce/

Divorced and Moving On….with the Court’s Permission in Florida

Picture this: you’re divorced from your former spouse with whom you have a minor child. During the divorce proceedings, you are deemed the custodial parent. You and your former spouse get along amicably and follow the child visitation plans without issue. A few years following the divorce, you get an offer for your dream job in Denver, CO. You are ready to go, but before you do, you may need to get the court’s permission.

Relocating Outside of Florida

Florida has a specific statute that provides the rules for relocating 50 miles or more when a minor child is involved. The legal term for moving the child out of state is “relocation.” The statute requires that the relocating parent receive written agreement to the move by the noncustodial parent, or request the court’s permission. As a practical matter, it will be easier if you can get your former spouse’s agreement to the relocation. However, even if they do not agree with the move, the court still has the power to grant permission for the move.

How the Court Decides

One of the most important phrases in the realm of family law is “the best interests of the child.”  The court will generally allow relocation, even if one parent objects, if it determines that it is in the best interest of the child. The court’s primary concern is your child’s best interests, not yours or your former spouse’s. Thus, a great career opportunity alone may not be a good enough reason to allow relocation if the court finds that uprooting the child from their home, established routine, and support system would be harmful to the child’s well-being. After all, moving can be tough on children. This is one of many reasons why you need a strong advocate explaining your position to the court.

The judge will make the decision on a case by case basis. Every case, like every family, is different. However, the law provides some guidance as to factors that should be considered. These factors include, but are not limited to:

●      The child’s relationship with the non-relocating parent, siblings, and other relatives;

●      The child’s age, development, and the likely emotional impact of the move;

●      The possibility of preserving long-term relationships even after the move;

●      The child’s personal preferences (if they can be meaningfully obtained); and

●      The overall potential benefit of the move on the child’s quality of life.

It’s important to remember that none of these factors are determinative; the judge weighs and reviews them to help decide whether the relocation would be in the child’s best interest. Also, in most cases the burden of proof is on the parent wishing to relocate to show by a preponderance of the evidence that that move is in the child’s best interest.

Contact a Tampa Bay Divorce Attorney

No matter the specifics of your family situation, there are complex procedural rules that must be followed when relocating with a child. For this reason, the safest course of action is to have a Florida family law attorney analyze your situation prior to your move and help you through the process.

At the All Family Law Group, P.A. we understand that family decisions, like relocation inside or outside the state of Florida, are about more than just the law.  The goal of our family law attorneys is to ensure that you understand both the legal and practical implications of your decisions. If you or your spouse is considering relocation, contact our Experienced Attorneys & Counselors at Law since 1997 Serving all of Tampa Bay. Call 813-672-1900 now for a free initial consultation www.familymaritallaw.com. We can help you understand the law and develop a plan of action that is in the best interest of you and your child.

By Lynette Silon-Laguna Google