Skip to Content
Top
Relocation Serving Families Throughout Jacksonville For Over 25 Years

Relocation Lawyer in Jacksonville

Managing Parental Relocation after Divorce

Sometimes circumstances occur after divorce that require the primary custodial parent to move to another state or many hours away within the same state. Some reasons for this may be:

  • Job transfers
  • A new career opportunity
  • Education
  • Health issues

The non-custodial parent may object to such a move because it may be difficult to sustain a good parent-child relationship or may doubt that the relocation is best for the child.

A skilled lawyer at the Law Offices of Jason K.S. Porter, P.A. has years of experience representing parents who need to move over 50 miles away after a divorce. We will meet with you for an initial consultation, review your specific situation and advise you about your rights and options. We work with custodial and non-custodial parents to help them make the best decisions possible.

Obtaining Court Approval for Relocation

The relocating parent must obtain written consent from the other parent prior to the move. The written consent must state that the non-custodial parent agrees to the relocation, and must lay out the visitation rights for the non-custodial parent. The court must then approve the proposed relocation.

Some things the court takes into consideration are:

  • The age of the child
  • The reason for the move
  • Educational resources in the new location
  • The emotional needs of the child
  • How close the new location is to other family members
  • Availability of needed medical care
  • The degree of involvement of the non-custodial parent in the child's life
  • The child's preference

Chapter 61.13001 Florida Statutes: Parental Relocation

This statute holds that a "relocation" is a move of more than 50 miles away from the current location for a period of 60 consecutive days or longer. There are two main options in this situation. The relocation can be agreed upon by both parents or one parent could file a petition to relocate.

  • Relocation Agreement 
    Both parents, if they can come to an agreement, may enter into a written relocation agreement. The agreement must give consent to the relocation and also lay out a time-sharing schedule and how the future parenting arrangement will look.
  • Petition to Relocate 
    If one parent is seeking a relocation and the other does not necessarily consent to this arrangement, then a parent may make a petition describing their reason for seeking relocation. This petition will then be served upon the other parent. The recipient of this petition will then have to respond in writing and file it with the court. This petition can be contested. The court may also allow for a temporary relocation order.

We are skilled attorneys who will make your wishes known to the court and will work toward the outcome that is best for you and your child.

Contact an attorney at the Law Offices of Jason K.S. Porter, P.A. for help with parent and child relocation after divorce. Pick Porter!™

  • A Guided, Hands-On Approach
    Step-by-Step Guidance for Any Legal Matter
  • A Compassionate Team
    Your Story Matters - We're Here to Listen
  • Extensive Experience
    Approximately 100 Years of Combined Legal Experience On Your Side
  • Award-Winning Counsel
    Top-Rated Ethics & Legal Skill – AV Preeminent® Rating
  • Trusted & Recommended
    Trusted by the Media & Recommended by Our Clients
  • Top-Rated Attorneys
    Top-Rated Personal Injury, DUI, & Criminal Defense Lawyer

Hear From Our Happy Clients

Serving Jacksonville, FL Since 2004

    "They were professional, attentive, and got me an acceptable settlement in a timely manner."
    I used them for a personal injury case. They were professional, attentive, and got me an acceptable settlement in a timely manner. This helped greatly to get me back on my feet financially. Thank you very much.
    - Jonathan E.
    "Nicely Done! Success has been reached!"
    Many times when you meet attorneys to represent you, there are thoughts that reside in the back of your head...some good and some bad. "Are these guys REALLY going to help me," or "do they REALLY have my best interest," or "can I really trust them?" Those are the many thoughts, plus more, that I had--it did go away after my first initial visit with one of the attorney's at Jason's Porter's law office. For my case, I worked with two different attorneys which included Jason Porter himself. Both of those guys were with me 100% from the beginning, in court, after court, late in the evening by phone calls, text, and emails, it was a great experience. What was consistent and what I valued most is that I got to know both of them, what they like to do in their personal time with family, which felt like I could communicate openly and honestly. My case was a criminal case and because of them, I do not have to be viewed as a criminal. I want to share and express my gratitude for how they have helped me so others can choose Jason Porter.
    - JW
    "Jonathan Thacher was definitely there when I needed a lawyer."
    I am so incredibly grateful for picking Porter. Jonathan Thacher was definitely there when I needed a lawyer.
    - Sharon F.
    "He is our family attorney forever."
    There are times when you may need unforeseen legal assistance and your scared and don't have a clue if youre making the right choice. The decision is not an easy one when it's based on your family and life. You worry if they have your best interest at heart, if they know enough, if they know the right people and it's very emotional & confusing. Ten years ago my family was faced with the worst nightmare any mother could ever imagine & I prayed to God to make the right decision and I did. Meeting Jason Porter & his assistant Darlene C. (she's been with him longer than that), was the best in my life in my family's life. Jason doesn't have a big office turn around, in fact I have watched his office grow to the success it is today. His staff stays because they know they are with a terrific guy & great attorney. I can go on and on and mean every word from the bottom of my heart but the are truly no words to describe the great outcomes he has had for 2 of my sons on separate occasions. Unfortunately, we don't live in a society anymore where "boys will be boys". There are way too many laws and not enough of societal morality (due to a change of the times). Boys may get in trouble, they did get in trouble but with their unfortunate choices, my choice was the better in retaining Jason and his law firm. He is our family attorney forever.
    - Anonymous
    "Thank you"
    The Law Offices of Mr. Jason K.S. Porter has exceeded all expectations and have gone well above and beyond. They made this unfortunate event less painful and were very open and honest throughout this difficult time. Kudos to Mrs. Darlene, Mrs. Shawna Abbatiello and Mr. Porter for their extreme professionalism and care. Thank you for representing me and changing the results of my case completely. I am 100% satisfied with the outcome and am grateful for your support, care, and services. Thank you 🙏🏽
    - N.J.
    "This Legal Team is Wonderful!"
    One night I was awaken by a phone call that my son was in jail, I thought I was having a nightmare. I knew the charges were false but knew we faced a difficult road ahead to prove his innocence. The charges against him could have been enough to have caused him to lose his children, as well as his job and ruin any further career opportunities. He could have served time and had a felony on his record. . We were so lucky to find the law offices of Jason Porter. They came highly recommended and were rated high on the AVVO site. We were scheduled for an appointment the day we called and greeted openly but candidly with the facts of what could happen. He already had the police report and had a pretty good picture of what happen before we even opened our mouth. Jason put us at ease and explained how things would work and assured my son he would do his best to protect him and his good name and to get the charges dropped or reduced to the minimum he assured him he would not make him settle for something he did not do. He was not afraid to take it to trail if that’s what needed to happen. We felt good after hearing his trial record. Gary Shumard also in the office was involved in the day to day dealing of the court appearances and trying to keep it out of trial. He spoke for my son and there were several court appearances. My son was able to work and carry on his normal day because of Gary. During the six month process my son only had to attend one court appearance and that was only because the other side tried again to file additional fraudulent charges against him however, they were immediately dismissed thanks to Gary. In the end they wanted to drop the charges to a misdemeanor; but my son didn’t want anything on his record because he was not guilty! Gary had reviewed their evidence and my son’s evidence and in the end, after six months Gary was able to keep my son’s a record clean. Gary fought hard, gathering evidence and challenging the opposing side with professionalism and knowledge. I feel sure that due to his expertise we were able to avoid a long drawn out trail and more legal expenses. Gary works hard and is at the court house it seems almost every day working for his clients, he is a dedicated attorney with knowledge, and proficiency in handling the law he gathers evidence astutely and reviews both sides he has the ability to present his findings in a very comfortable but clever way. The day the findings came down I think he was almost as happy as we were. He had a right to be it’s like climbing a mountain and getting to the top you know you deserve the view. This law office is wonderful from the secretary who answers the phone, the legal assistants, and everyone in between. We trust this law firm and believe in them with any legal matter they we may have ever!! Richard & Diane Bornstein
    - Diane and Richard
    "We picked Porter and glad we did!!!"
    Jason and his firm came highly recommended by my family member. My son's case would have eventually ended up with negative consequences if not for Jonathan Thatcher. Jonathan was supportive, knowledgeable and kept us informed at all stages of the case. Great firm and appreciate all your hard work in the success of my son's case. I would use this firm again and again.
    - Kim J.
    "Jason and his staff were very professional."
    100% success rate. I used Jason Porter's services two different times for a DUI charge. The first DUI case I never lost my license and he won the case. The second time it was a little more difficult because of the circumstances but we took it to trial and it seemed like an effortless victory. Jason and his staff were very professional and helpful through the entire process.I could not have asked for anything more. Thank you so much for everything.
    - Jeremy T.

Pick Porter!™ Today

A member of our team will be in touch shortly to confirm your contact details or address questions you may have.

  • *Motorcycle accident - $2,835,000
  • $1,502,500 Premises Liability - $1,502,500

    Bodily Injury Claim

  • *Wrongful Death - $1,000,000
  • Settled *Estate of Fred Fedorka

    Largest settlement ever against Volusia County.

  • *Medical Malpractice - $500,000