Parenting Plans, Relocation & Preventing Future Disputes

Addressing parental relocation clauses in the initial parenting plan can help avoid future disagreements and the need for potentially expensive and emotionally taxing legal battles if one parent wishes to move.

In our increasingly mobile society, relocation is often a necessity—not a choice. Economic hardship, career advancement, or the need for family support can compel a parent to move, sometimes hundreds of miles away. But while such moves may offer personal relief or opportunity, the courts may see this as a steep cost to the children involved. It is extremely important to address matters of relocation or the possibility of relocation with your family law attorney when you are drafting a parenting plan. This is true if you are divorcing or you are unmarried and establishing paternity and timesharing. Remember, once your custody order is entered,  and unexpected, substantial and permanent change in circumstances is required in order to modify your parenting plan. 

Best Interest of the Child (AND Your Co-Parent)

When one parent seeks to relocate, the courts will look to the best interest of the child with a focus on the child’s ability to maintain a strong, consistent relationship with the non-relocating parent. If you are the relocating parent, it is important to be prepared to provide the courts with your very best plan to help your co-parent maintain a healthy relationship with the child. This may include an alternative, generous timesharing schedule, provisions for virtual communication, travel expenses and support adjustments when applicable and lawful. Parents can always agree upon the relocation and enter into a long distant parenting plan. However, even when agreed upon, the courts have quite a bit of leeway in determining if this plan looks to the best interest of the child.

Preponderance of Facts & Objecting to Parental Relocation

Some will argue that the financial needs of one parent should not outweigh a child’s emotional stability or hinder a consistent relationship with the non-relocating parent. The fact remains that raising children is a costly endeavor. Increasing your wage can very often significantly improve a child’s life and can contribute to improved lifestyle and future. Given that, if one parent still objects to the relocation of their minor child, the courts will always look to the overall best interests of the child and the non-relocating co-parent’s relationship with that child. Remember, each case is unique. A co-parent who  is objecting to a parental relocation with a minor child may be met with a preponderance of facts that show the courts that it would  be in the child’s best interest to grant the order to relocate. It is important to discuss any parenting plan or relocation matters with a seasoned Tampa parental relocation attorney.

Florida Law & Parental Relocations

Relocation cases are among the most bitterly contested custody battles in Florida. The stakes are not just legal—they’re most frequently deeply personal. The courts prioritize the best interests of the child, and parental relocations must be approached with compassion and a clear understanding of Florida Law. Negotiating a detailed parenting plan is the first best step to avoiding future conflicts.

Family Law Attorney Consultation

If you have any questions about relocating with a minor child, long distant parenting plans or negotiating parenting plans to include how future relocations with a minor child will be handled, it is highly beneficial to consult with an experienced Tampa child custody attorney. Call (813) 879-4600 or use the form below to inquire.

Zoom, in-person and telephonic consultations are available for your convenience.