Largo Relocation Lawyer
Parents of minor children often seek to move after divorce. But if you share custody, you will need permission before you can move—otherwise, a judge will block the move and you could lose custody of your kids. Contact Reep Coleman & Stubbendorff to speak with a Largo relocation lawyer. Parents often seek to move to live closer to extended family, accept a new job, or start a new relationship. Yet, judges are not very eager to let parents move when they have custody of a minor child and the other parent objects. Our firm can review the status of the dispute and determine what evidence will help your argument.
Florida’s Law on Parental Relocation
A parent with primary custody cannot just up and move with their children. Under existing Florida law, you will need either permission from the non-custodial parent or judicial approval of the other parent objects.
Getting consent is probably the best way—but some parents will object to the move because it makes it harder to see their children. In that case, the parent hoping to move has no choice but to go into court and seek judicial permission.
A judge will consider many factors when deciding whether to greenlight a move. It’s important for parents to realize that the child’s best interest is the touchstone—not what is in the parent’s best interest. You might be anxious to start a new job in California or move and have a new relationship with someone you met in Missouri. That doesn’t mean a judge will approve the relocation because it would make your life easier.
Instead, a judge will consider many factors:
- Your child’s maturity level;
- How your child’s life will change after the move;
- Whether your child will be near extended family;
- The quality of new schools your child will attend.
The parent who is seeking to move must file a petition to relocate with the court and serve a copy on the non-custodial parent, who has a chance to respond. The petition should contain critical details, such as the date of the expected move and the new address, along with a detailed description of the reasons for the move.
We Can Help Either Parent
Our Largo relocation lawyers can represent either parent: the custodial parent who hopes to move or the non-custodial parent hoping to block the move. Both parents have a right to a lawyer’s assistance.
If you want to block the move, we can gather evidence to show how relocation is not in your child’s best interests. For example, the other parent might be removing them from extended family to a strange area. We can also represent you in negotiations with the other parent. You might agree to a relocation but demand certain protections in the parenting plan, such as defrayed transportation costs when visiting your children.
Speak with a Largo Relocation Lawyer Today
Relocation battles often dredge up negative emotions from the divorce. It is critical to obtain objective legal advice about the strength of your case. Call our office to talk with a Largo relocation lawyer.
