Moving is a common part of American life, as evidenced by the fact that millions of people choose to do it every year. Indeed, according to information shared by the website Moving.com, Florida ranks among the top five states people choose to move away from. Relocating can be a complicated process; it becomes even more so when the one doing is involved in a child custody arrangement.
State law does indeed allow a parent who has custody rights to their kids to move away. The proper process must be followed, however, in order for the family court with jurisdiction over the custody case to endorse the move. That starts with the relocating parent notifying the parent staying behind of their intentions. Per Section 61.13001 of Florida’s state statutes, such a notice must include:
- The area which they are moving to (including their new address, if known)
- Their new mailing address (if different than the new physical address)
- Their new telephone number (if known)
- The date they intend to relocate
- The reason they are looking to move
- A revised custody schedule
This notice must also state that the non-relocating parent has 20 from receipt of it to petition the court of they object to relocation. Otherwise it is assumed that both sides consent to it.
One looking to move can avoid having to go through this process (and any stress that may come with it) by informing their children’s other parent well in advance of a potential move. This provides sufficient time for both sides to work out a new custody arrangement on their own. The court will accept such an arrangement if it is presented by both sides simultaneously (and it is believed to be in the best interests of the kids).