When one parent wishes to move with a child after divorce, a simple relocation can become a complex legal issue. State law places strict limits on changing a child’s residence. Without proper authorization, a parent may risk violating their custody order. Whether you are the parent seeking to relocate or the parent opposing the move, this process requires careful planning, formal procedures, and experienced legal guidance.
Working with an experienced attorney can make all the difference. At the Law Offices of Jason K.S. Porter, P.A., our Ponte Vedra Beach relocation lawyer understands how moving can affect a family. We help parents make the right decisions at the right time, protecting both their parental rights and their child’s best interests.
Key Legal Requirements for Relocation in Florida
Florida Statutes § 61.13001 defines relocation as moving a child’s primary residence more than fifty miles away for sixty consecutive days or longer, excluding temporary absences for vacations, education, or medical treatment. Relocating parents must either obtain written consent from the other parent and submit the agreement to the court for approval, or file a petition to relocate if the other parent does not consent.
If the parents agree, their written agreement must specify the new residence, revised time-sharing schedule, and transportation arrangements. Once approved by the court, this agreement becomes enforceable. If one parent objects, the relocating parent must formally petition the court, detailing the intended address, the reason for the move, and a proposed time-sharing plan. The non-relocating parent then has twenty days to file an objection.
Our attorneys guide Ponte Vedra Beach clients through every step of this process, ensuring that all relocation filings meet the state’s legal requirements and your rights remain protected.
What Does the Court Consider in a Relocation Case?
When deciding whether to allow a relocation, the courts prioritize the child’s best interests above all else. Judges consider numerous factors, including:
- The child’s relationship with each parent
- The child’s age, developmental needs, and preferences, if age-appropriate
- The feasibility of maintaining a strong relationship with the non-relocating parent
- The potential educational, emotional, and financial advantages of the move
- The motives of each parent for seeking or opposing relocation
- Any history of domestic violence or substance abuse
Our relocation attorneys in Ponte Vedra Beach could help present your case clearly, using well-supported evidence and testimony to show how your position aligns with your child’s best interests.
Legal Challenges and Practical Solutions
Relocation disputes can be emotionally charged because they directly affect time-sharing and parental bonds. Even when both parents act in good faith, disagreements can quickly escalate.
Our Ponte Vedra Beach lawyers understand the need for both compassion and precision in these relocation cases. We help clients:
- Prepare petitions or responses that fully comply with the state’s procedural requirements
- Negotiate practical parenting plans that preserve meaningful contact for both parents
- Represent clients in mediation or hearings before the family court
- Present testimony, exhibits, and expert testimony in the family court
Whether your case is resolved through mediation or litigation, our goal is to secure a resolution that protects your relationship with your child and meets all legal standards.
Call a Relocation Attorney in Ponte Vedra Beach To Protect Your Parental Rights
Relocation disputes can deeply affect a family’s future. They often balance one parent’s need for opportunity with the other’s desire to remain close to their child. At the Law Offices of Jason K.S. Porter, P.A., our goal is to guide you through this process with clarity, compassion, and legal precision.
If you are preparing to move or responding to a relocation request, our Ponte Vedra Beach relocation lawyer is ready to help you navigate this challenging transition. Problems? Pick Porter!™