Relocating With Your Child After A Fort Lauderdale Divorce: What You Need To Know

After a divorce in Fort Lauderdale, remaining in the same surroundings and sticking to the same old routines can hinder your ability to make a fresh start. Relocating can provide many benefits, but it requires more than just packing your bags if you share custody of a child.

As the other party’s parental rights are likely to be impacted, you need their approval or a court order before relocating with your child more than 50 miles from your current residence. If you are considering this type of move, our Fort Lauderdale child custody attorney explains what you need to know to protect your rights and your child’s well-being.

Valid Reasons For Relocating With Children Post-Divorce In Broward County

In Fort Lauderdale divorce cases involving parents, child custody is often a hotly contested issue. Once a child custody order is issued, both parents must follow it.

Under the Florida Statutes, if you plan to move more than 50 miles away for at least 60 days, you must get written permission from the other parent or the court’s approval. Reasons the court considers valid for requesting a relocation include:

• Job promotions or better employment opportunities;
• Better educational, social, and recreational opportunities for your child;
• Access to medical care or specialized treatment;
• Reuniting with family support systems;
• Personal safety or stability after divorce.

How Fort Lauderdale Courts Decide Whether to Approve a Relocation

If you want to move with your child and the other parent objects, you must request permission through the Broward County Family Court. Factors the judge is likely to consider when deciding whether to approve a relocation include:

• Each parent’s relationship with the child;
• The child’s age and developmental needs;
• How the move will impact the child’s education and quality of life;
• Whether a new time-sharing plan is workable;
• Each parent’s reason for or against the relocation;
• Any history of abuse, neglect, or substance misuse;
• The child’s preference, if they are old enough to make such a decision.

While requesting a child relocation through the court can take time, under no circumstances should you move with your child before getting approval. This could result in significant penalties and may put your parental rights at risk.

Consult Our Fort Lauderdale Child Relocation Lawyer Today

Moving to a new place after a Fort Lauderdale divorce can provide a fresh start, but you need to be aware of your rights and obligations if you plan on taking your children with you. Child relocations are an often-contested issue and may require taking your case to court.

At the Law Office of Sandra Bonfiglio, we understand how important a move can be for you and your child. We can help document your reasons for the move, propose a workable time-sharing plan, and represent your interests in court. Contact our office to protect your parental rights and your child’s well-being. Request a consultation today with our experienced Fort Lauderdale child relocation attorney.

Sources:

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

browardclerk.org/Divisions/Family