Understanding Child Custody and Relocation in Orlando, Florida
Orlando is home to many successful professionals, executives, and business owners who balance demanding careers with family responsibilities. When high-income parents go through divorce, child custody becomes one of the most pressing concerns. If one parent wants to relocate with the child, the legal challenges become even more complex.
As an Orlando high net-worth divorce Attorney, I help parents on both sides of this issue. Whether you are seeking to relocate with your child or opposing a relocation request, I will work to protect your parental rights and secure the best outcome for your family. If you need legal guidance on child custody and relocation, call me, Beryl Thompson-McClary, at 1-888-640-2999 to schedule a consultation. I handle high-net-worth divorce and child custody cases throughout Orange County, Florida, ensuring that my clients receive strong representation in these critical matters.
Florida Law on Child Custody and Relocation
Florida law recognizes that children benefit from maintaining strong relationships with both parents. Relocation disputes often arise when one parent wants to move with the child more than 50 miles away from their current residence for more than 60 consecutive days. This includes moves within Florida or out of state. Under Florida Statutes §61.13001, the relocating parent must obtain:
- Written consent from the other parent or
- Court approval through a Petition for Relocation
If the non-relocating parent objects, the court must decide whether the move is in the child’s best interests. The burden is on the relocating parent to prove that the move will enhance the child’s quality of life while preserving the relationship with the other parent.
Factors Courts Consider in Relocation Cases
When ruling on a relocation request, Florida courts consider several key factors, including:
- The child’s relationship with both parents
- The reasons for the relocation (career, family support, financial opportunities, etc.)
- The impact of relocation on the child’s stability and development
- Whether a realistic time-sharing schedule can be maintained
- The relocating parent’s willingness to accommodate meaningful visitation
- The ability of the non-relocating parent to maintain involvement in the child’s life
- The financial impact of travel costs and time-sharing adjustments
Each case is unique, and courts carefully analyze how a move will affect the child’s well-being.
When You Want to Relocate With Your Child
If you are the parent seeking to relocate, you must present a compelling case that the move will benefit your child’s overall well-being. Courts will not approve a relocation request simply because it benefits the parent. You must demonstrate how it will enhance the child’s education, healthcare, financial stability, or emotional well-being.
A detailed relocation plan should include:
- A proposed new time-sharing schedule
- A plan for virtual visits and extended holiday parenting time
- Arrangements for covering transportation costs for the non-relocating parent
As a high net-worth divorce Attorney in Orlando, I will build a strong case to demonstrate that the relocation serves your child’s best interests while protecting your parental rights.
When You Oppose Relocation
If your co-parent wants to relocate and you object, you have the right to challenge the petition. Courts recognize that frequent, meaningful contact with both parents is crucial. You can argue that:
- The move will harm the child’s relationship with you
- The proposed relocation is not financially or logistically feasible
- The move does not significantly improve the child’s quality of life
- The relocating parent has failed to propose a reasonable time-sharing plan
It is essential to act quickly if you want to oppose a relocation request. If you do not respond to the petition within the legal timeframe, the court may grant the relocation by default. I will fight for your rights and work to secure a favorable outcome for you and your child.
How I Help High-Income Parents in Relocation Disputes
Relocation cases require skilled legal representation. As an Orlando high net-worth divorce Attorney, I provide:
- Strategic legal arguments tailored to your specific case
- Expert financial analysis to assess the costs of relocation or alternative solutions
- Comprehensive parenting plans that protect your rights and your child’s best interests
- Strong courtroom advocacy in contested hearings
Whether you are seeking to relocate or opposing a move, I will ensure that your case is presented effectively.
Call 1-888-640-2999 today to schedule a consultation.
FAQs About Child Custody and Relocation in Florida
How does Florida define relocation in child custody cases?
Under Florida Statutes §61.13001, relocation is defined as moving 50 miles or more from the child’s current residence for at least 60 consecutive days. Short-term moves, such as vacations or temporary work assignments, do not require court approval.
Do I need court approval to relocate with my child?
Yes, unless you have written consent from the other parent. If the other parent objects, you must file a Petition for Relocation and obtain court approval before moving. Moving without court approval can result in serious legal consequences, including loss of custody.
What happens if my co-parent relocates without permission?
If a parent moves without obtaining consent or court approval, the non-relocating parent can file a motion to enforce custody orders. The court may order the child’s return and modify custody arrangements in response to the violation.
Can relocation impact child support obligations?
Yes. If relocation significantly changes parenting time, child support payments may need to be adjusted to reflect travel costs or changes in financial responsibilities.
Will the court consider my career as a reason for relocation?
A career opportunity can be part of the argument, but it must be tied to the child’s best interests. Courts will not approve a move just because it benefits the parent financially unless it also provides a clear advantage to the child.
What if my co-parent refuses to agree to a reasonable time-sharing plan?
If the relocating parent fails to propose a fair time-sharing arrangement, the court may deny the relocation request. The judge will require a plan that ensures the non-relocating parent maintains a meaningful relationship with the child.
Contact Orlando Attorney Beryl Thompson-McClary at 1-888-640-2999 For A Consultation
Child custody and relocation cases require strong legal representation. If you are considering a move or fighting to keep your child close, I will provide the experienced legal guidance you need. Call 1-888-640-2999 today to discuss your case and protect your parental rights.
Beryl Thompson-McClary
Address: 390 N Orange Ave #2300, Orlando, FL 32801, United States
Hours: Open
Phone: 1-888-640-2999
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