How Broward County Courts Weigh A Child Relocation Request: Key Factors Explained

If you share custody of a child in Broward County and a move is on the horizon, either yours or your co-parent’s, you have probably started asking questions. How far can someone move before it legally counts as a “relocation?” What happens if the other parent objects? And how does a judge decide whether the move should be allowed? These questions come up often, and for good reason. A relocation can reshape a child’s daily life and the time-sharing arrangement both parents have relied on.

When Does a Move Become a Legal “Relocation”?

Under Florida law, a relocation generally refers to a change of residence at least 50 miles away that lasts, or is intended to last, at least 60 consecutive days. Short trips, temporary stays, or moves within that radius typically do not trigger the formal relocation process. But once that threshold is met, specific legal steps come into play, including formal notice to the other parent before the move happens.

What Are Judges Actually Looking At?

So what goes into a judge’s decision? Florida courts are required to weigh a range of factors before approving or denying a relocation request, all centered on one guiding question: what serves the best interests of the child? Some of the factors include:

• The child’s relationship with each parent, siblings, and other significant people in their life
• The age and developmental needs of the child, and how a move might affect them
• Whether a revised time-sharing schedule could reasonably preserve the relationship with the parent who is not relocating
• The reason for the requested move and the reason for any objection to it
• The child’s own preference, depending on age and maturity
• How the relocation might affect the child’s education, extracurricular involvement, and overall quality of life

No single factor controls the outcome. Judges look at the full picture, which is part of why these cases can feel unpredictable to parents going through them.

What If the Other Parent Objects?

When one parent wants to relocate and the other disagrees, the process does not stop the move automatically, but it does require the relocating parent to get either the other parent’s written agreement or the court’s permission first. If an objection is filed, the matter typically proceeds to a hearing, sometimes preceded by a temporary order addressing the situation while the case is pending. Has notice already been given? Is there an agreement in place? Those details often shape what happens next.

Contact Our Team to Discuss Next Steps

Relocation disputes touch on some of the most important parts of a family’s life, and the legal process involved can be difficult to navigate alone. Whether you are hoping to move with your child or you have concerns about a co-parent’s planned relocation, understanding your options early can make a real difference. At the office of Sandra Bonfiglio, P.A., we work with parents throughout Broward County on exactly these kinds of matters. If you have questions about a relocation situation, reach out to our Fort Lauderdale child relocation attorneys to discuss your circumstances.

Source:

leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13001.html