Pensacola Move-Away Lawyers

Relocating with Children As a Custodial Parent

When one parent relocates it can create a totally new parenting dynamic, potentially affecting your current child custody or visitation arrangement. Moving to another county, another state, or even out of the country can have a significant impact on your child, especially if he or she has a relationship with both parents. In order to ensure that your rights are protected before a relocation, whether you are moving or your co-parent is, make sure you discuss your case with our experienced family law attorneys.

No two child custody cases are the same, which is why it is important to seek personalized, reliable advice from an attorney who knows your situation. Our firm has more than 100 years of collective experience in family law and we know precisely what legal methods work best to protect your rights as a parent. Whether you wish to relocate with your child or your ex is planning to move, we can assess your concerns and develop a plan to fight for the custody or visitation arrangement that works best for you and your child.

Call 800-822-5170 to schedule a consultation with our Pensacola move-away lawyers.

Understanding Relocation Issues

Whether or not both parents agree to a relocation, they must handle the situation in a way that protects their rights and those of their child. If the child will be relocating with one parent, both parents must agree to the relocation and sign a written agreement under Florida’s relocation statute. If the parents do not agree, then the issue will need to go to the courts.

Relocation is about more than just the living situation of the child. When one parent moves, it could change the responsibilities of each parent, the financial obligations, the physical contact the child has with each parent, and other crucial matters. The parents must discuss these issues in the written agreement.

Contested Relocation Issues

It is very uncommon for both parents to agree to relocation easily, and these cases often lead to some level of court involvement. The Florida court will evaluate the situation, each parent’s wishes involving relocation, and make decisions regarding custody, visitation, child support, and other key matters.

Florida courts will consider the following factors before making any decisions about relocation:

• The reason for the move
• The child’s relationship with either parent
• The child’s relationship with the community, schools, and nearby family members
• The needs of the child (health, education, etc.)
• The preference of the child, if the child is deemed old enough

If the other parent objects to the relocation, the court will also consider any valid reasons the parent presents. The court will also consider how the move will affect the time the child has with each parent. For example, if the child is permitted to relocate with one parent, the other parent might then be entitled to visitation in larger chunks of time but less frequently, or the child might live with the other parent during the summer.

Let Our Pensacola Move-Away Attorneys Help You

Relocation issues are rarely easy. Moving a child away from one parent can be extremely complicated, especially because it often affects the physical custody of the child, the financial responsibilities of either parent, and other key parenting aspects. Luckily, our lawyers have handled several relocation cases and we know how to work with the Florida courts to help you obtain the best outcome for your family.

Contact The Virga Law Firm, P.A. today to schedule a consultation with our move-away lawyers in Pensacola.