Child Relocation In Florida: What Parents Need To Know

Child relocation in Florida involves a court process or agreement between parents that allows children to relocate for the benefit of either party or the children.

At Mark E. Sawicki, P.A., I will work one-on-one with you. I am Mark E. Sawicki, and once I understand your situation, I’ll then work to ensure that you fully know you rights and legal obligations. My mission is to put your family first and protect your peace. My law offices in Palm Beach Gardens and Melbourne provide services to clients in Broward, Palm Beach, and Brevard counties, and the surrounding communities.

Understanding The Child Relocation Process

The issue of child relocation can be a hard topic between former spouses. On one hand, the parent who has custody of the child may need to relocate due to work, family, health or other circumstances. On the other hand, child relocation triggers concerns that the noncustodial parent may not be able to get access to a child, which may cause a wedge between the child and the parent. While the law cannot prevent all these emotional entanglements, it has laid out guidelines on how the interests of the child and both parents can be balanced against each other.

What The Law Says About Custodial Parents

The law is very clear that while the custodial parent has the right to relocate the child, they cannot do so without the express agreement of the other parent. Most states also require that the noncustodial parent be given enough, if not equal to the other parent’s, parenting time with the child. Like child custody cases, the law also makes the “best interests of the child” a priority in deciding whether a request for child relocation can be approved by the court. Consultation with a legal expert who works in family law and child custody is the best way to determine how these legal guidelines can affect a child relocation case.

The Child Relocation Process In Florida

The process of child relocation should begin with the custodial parent filing a request with a court. Usually, the court will issue a notification to the other parent, who may or may not contest the child relocation. In the latter case, a hearing may be scheduled by the court, in which it will study what will be best for the child in terms of whether the child can be relocated and, if so, how the noncustodial parent can have access and exercise parental rights to the child after the relocation.

As an attorney with years of experience with both child custody and divorce in Florida, I can help you understand what the law says about relocating a few miles away, to a different city, or out of state. I understand the many reasons for needing to relocate, including health concerns, a job or a new relationship. I also know what a judge is likely to say about a request for relocation. I can advise you on what is in your best interests given your situation.

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When I take on your case, I put my full attention and energy into resolving your matter in a way that aligns with your goals and your best interest. This is why my motto is: “You are not just treated like family, you are family!” On every issue, I work to make sure that you understand your options and get a realistic solution. Call 954-928-9331 to set up a meeting with me. You can also reach my law office via my website contact form. There is room on the form to include a brief description of your issue so that I am prepared to answer your questions when we talk. I serve clients from communities in and around the West Palm Beach metro area and beyond.