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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Associate Attorney, In Person, Panama City Beach Office
Job Title: Family Law Associate Attorney Position
The Virga Law Firm - Panama City Beach, FL
Are You Ready for More Than Just a Career?
We're not looking for just any lawyer – we're searching for an attorney committed to compassionate and excellent representation. If you're ready to make the practice of law both meaningful and rewarding, this opportunity could be what you've been waiting for. Join a firm where you're appreciated and part of a team dedicated to excellence.
Who We Are
The Virga Law Firm is a dynamic, high-growth family law firm dedicated to providing excellent legal representation and superb client care. Founded by Gerard Virga, who brings over twenty years of legal experience to the practice, our firm has established itself as a leader in family law throughout Florida. Our attorneys hold prestigious positions on various committees for the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar, demonstrating our commitment to shaping and advancing family law practice in our state.
Our core belief is "Caring is Contagious." We understand that nothing is more important than family – it's the bedrock of our civilization and closest to people's hearts. When clients entrust us with their family law issues, we recognize it as the highest honor and responsibility.
Each family is unique and requires specialized attention during the most emotionally trying times in their lives. Our mission is to protect our clients and their families, providing them with a strong new start to their lives. We achieve this by helping one family at a time through our multiple office locations throughout Florida.
Who You Are
The ideal candidate:
- Is obsessed with achieving results for clients
- Has a passion for family law
- Excels at identifying crucial case details
- Loves litigation and is comfortable in the courtroom
- Takes pride in developing litigation strategies
- Has strong negotiation skills with a compassionate approach
- Thrives in fast-paced environments
- Is committed to helping others and leading by example
Minimum Qualifications
- An active member in good standing with the Florida Bar
- Demonstrated experience in family law
- Proven history of passionate representation and client service
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Clio knowledge is a plus)
- Advanced knowledge in litigation and client relations
- Mastery of Zoom video conferencing for court presentations
- Ability to work independently and produce superior work product
Key Responsibilities
- Provide comprehensive legal advice and analysis to clients
- Manage complex high-asset divorce cases
- Handle parental responsibility and timesharing cases
- Navigate cases involving domestic violence, substance abuse, and mental health issues
- Represent clients in court proceedings and mediations
- Draft legal pleadings, motions, and orders
- Lead team members including Paralegals and professional staff
- Maintain a fast-paced workload with attention to detail
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive compensation package based on experience
- Dental and vision insurance options with family coverage
- Progressive Paid Time Off:
- One week per six months
- Up to 80 additional hours accruing each pay period
- Paid holidays and one flex holiday
- Parental and bereavement leave
- Paid continuing legal education, bar dues, and certification dues
- Professional development opportunities
- Supportive team environment
Why Choose The Virga Law Firm
- Unified company culture dedicated to success
- Highly trained support staff including Paralegals and Discovery Specialists
- Diverse caseload and full pipeline from day one
- An environment that encourages innovation and creative problem-solving
- Commitment to personal and professional growth
- No-drama, no-judgment work environment
- Strong focus on team collaboration
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit:
- Current resume
- Writing sample
- Two letters of recommendation
- Cover letter
How to Apply
- Call our career hotline at 850-565-3426
- Submit required documents
Additional Information
- Website: www.thevirgalawfirm/careers
- Email: careers@thevirgalawfirm.com
- Work Location: In-person at Panama City Beach office
- Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8-hour shifts
The Virga Law Firm is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace—A background check is required for final candidates.
Meet Your Attorneys
Compassionate Counsel, Relentless Representation.
