Tampa Child Relocation Attorney
In Florida, custodial parents can relocate with their child after divorce, but the law limits such moves to a 50-mile radius from the non-relocating parent if they do not provide consent. As such, moving from your current location requires careful consideration and legal approval to ensure it complies with state law and prioritizes the best interest of the child. Below, our Tampa child relocation attorney explains more.
Common Reasons for Relocation Post-Divorce
After a divorce, people may move for many reasons. The most common of these are as follows:
- Better employment opportunities,
- Family support,
- Better educational opportunities for the child,
- New relationship or remarriage, and
- Fresh start, particularly when domestic violence is involved.
When Relocation is Uncontested
If you and your former spouse can agree to a relocation, it is critical that a plan is put into writing for submission to the court. The agreement should outline tentative provisions for visitation between the child and non-custodial parent. The plan should also outline why the relocation is in the child’s best interest. Transportation arrangements should also be included in the plan. Anyone with visitation rights, such as a grandparent or other family member, should also consent to the move and be included in the written plan.
When Relocation is Contested
When a non-relocating parent does not consent to a move and the other parent still plans to relocate, it poses a significant challenge in the relocation process. In these cases, the parent who wants to relocate must file a petition with the court. At this point, it is critical to work with a Tampa child relocation attorney. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal challenges and ensure all procedures are properly adhered to and that each parent’s time-sharing rights and the best interest of the child are protected.
The relocation petition filed with the court should include the reasons for the move, the moving date, future contact information, and a revised visitation schedule. The petition starts the legal proceedings to try and resolve the dispute after it is submitted to the court and served to the non-custodial parent.
Relocating a minor child without the consent of the non-relocating parent or the court has serious consequences. A parent who relocates without obtaining proper consent may even face contempt charges. The court can also mandate a return of the child and revise a parenting plan to award the non-relocating parent more parenting time. For these reasons, it is critical that custodial parents obtain consent before moving with their minor child.
Our Child Relocation Attorney in Tampa Can Help with Your Case
Whether you are the parent who wants to move with your minor child, or you are the parent who is contesting a relocation, you need sound legal advice. At Florida Law Advisers, P.A., our Tampa child relocation attorney can provide it so you obtain the best possible outcome. Call us today at 1 (800) 990-7763 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to learn more about how we can help with your case.
