Petition to Relocate with a Child
Our Fort Walton Beach Child Relocation Attorneys Can Help
Under Florida law, if you wish to relocate with your child and you are separated from their other biological parent, you must file a petition to relocate. This applies to any relocation over 50 miles from your current address. The court will evaluate the petition, consider all concerns and objections, and then grant or deny the relocation accordingly.
Whether you are petitioning the relocation or looking to defend your parental rights, we can help. Our legal team at The Virga Law Firm, P.A. can guide you through the petition process and advocate for your wants and needs.
Call to get started on your relocation case today: 800-822-5170.
Uncontested Relocation
Even when both parents agree on relocating a child, the court still requires a petition to relocate, as well as a new time-sharing and parental responsibility arrangement. Assuming the relocation is still in the best interest of the child, the court will generally approve the petition if both parties are in agreement.
Contested Relocation
When parents disagree on the relocation of the child, it becomes a contested relocation. Under Florida Statute 61.13001, the court will review the following information before granting or denying the request:
- Nature and quality of the child’s relationship with the non-relocating parent, as well as other relationships that exist in the child’s current location, such as siblings, half-siblings, or other family members
- Impact the relocation would have on the child’s developmental stage, age, and maturity
- Feasibility of a workable time-sharing plan for the non-relocating parent
- Preference of the child
- Objections against relocation
- Improvements to quality of life the relocation may bring, including an increase in economic stature
Having the right attorney advocate for you during a relocation hearing is crucial to your overall success. Without a child relocation lawyer, you may unknowingly fail to comply with Florida’s relocation statute, leading to a variety of consequences, including:
- Mandated return of the child
- Contempt of court
- Reasons to alter time-sharing agreements
- Mandated payment of all legal fees, including the opposing party
Don’t Go Through Your Case Alone – Contact Our Fort Walton Beach Child Relocation Lawyers
At The Virga Law Firm, P.A., we understand that your child is your number one priority. Whether you are facing a contested relocation trial or simply need legal assistance drafting your new time-sharing agreement, our attorneys can help you handle your family law case. With over 100 years of combined experience, we can evaluate your situation and effectively represent you.
Contact our office todayto discuss your case with one of our Fort Walton Beach child relocation attorneys.
Our Core Values
-
The Client Comes First and All Else Will FollowWe take pride in delivering best-in-class client service and experience, understanding the privilege and responsibility we have when assisting clients and their families through legal matters. It is our highest obligation.
-
Authenticity and TransparencyWe believe in being transparent about who we are, with ourselves, each other, and our clients and partners. This authenticity builds trust and fosters strong relationships.
-
Relentless Pursuit of the WinWe achieve stellar results by focusing on personal and professional performance and goals. Our relentless pursuit ensures we deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients.
-
Growth MindsetWe continuously learn, grow, and improve as individuals, as a law firm, and as advocates for our clients. We set and exceed both personal and professional goals to ensure ongoing development.
-
OwnershipWe take responsibility for our work and actions, ensuring accountability in all that we do. Our commitment to ownership drives excellence and fosters a culture of trust and reliability.
-
Results DrivenWe focus on outcomes and disregard the level of effort required. We have the vision and the discipline to do the work and face challenges to make our vision a reality for our clients.
-
Respect and Celebration for One AnotherWe support each other with kindness and respect, emphasizing a positive work culture and celebrating along the way. We respect our clients and support them through their challenges.
-
Unquestionable IntegrityWe stand up for what’s right with consistently sound ethics and courageous honesty. Our integrity is the foundation of our practice and guides our actions and decisions.
-
We are in it TogetherWe are client and team-focused, committed to the firm’s vision, and act for the greater good. We carry our weight, bring others along, and act with civility, candor, and respect in all interactions.
-
ReputationReputation is everything. We strive to have the best personal and professional reputations. We want our reputation to precede us and for opposing counsel to know we are committed to fighting for our clients.
-
Community StewardshipWe embody the concept of giving back to the community. The Virga Law Firm is committed to supporting and improving the community through responsible and caring actions, setting an example of character.
Meet Your Attorneys
Compassionate Counsel, Relentless Representation.
