Relocation Attorney in Attorney in St. Petersburg, Florida

FLORIDA DIVORCE LAW ON RELOCATION OF MINOR CHILDREN

In some instances, a parent may seek to relocate with the minor children to a new residence greater than 50 miles from that parent’s principal place of residence for a period of 60 consecutive days or more. A parent seeking to relocate has the initial burden of proving that the move is in the child(ren)’s best interests. If the other party objects to the relocation, he/she may then offer evidence in rebuttal. During my 30 years plus of experience as a Florida Divorce attorney, these types of cases have proven to be the most emotionally charged and difficult cases.

Sometimes a parent may feel lonely and want to be closer to family. This is understandable especially if you are the primary caretaker of the child(ren). However, simply having family emotional support available in another state may not be a enough to prove that the relocation is in the child(ren)’s best interests. The parent seeking to relocate may contend, among other things, that the financial condition and quality of life of parent and child would be enhanced if the relocation is permitted. The objecting parent may then argue that the relocation would disrupt the child(ren)'s established routine and that an alternative long-distance custody arrangement will further disrupt the existing bond between the child(ren) and the non-relocating parent.

When seeking to relocate, your request must be detailed. This would include where you would be residing and with whom; the day/aftercare available; in which school the child(ren) would be attending and quality of that school; a job offer setting forth increased income and benefits; and other pertinent information such as family nearby who have a bonded relationship with the child(ren). You would also need to set out specifics of an alternate custody arrangement which would arguably maintain the contact and bond existing between child and non-relocating parent.

ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA DIVORCE ATTORNEY, GARTH R. GOODMAN, ESQ.

If you are a parent seeking to relocate or a parent objecting to a relocation, please contact my St. Peterburg, Florida divorce law firm, Garth R. Goodman, P.A. I know that relocation cases are tough for both parents. As your divorce attorney, I will personally assist you in navigating through this difficult chapter in your life.