Co-parenting is common for those who end romantic relationships with the other parent of their children. Divorces, separations and breakups may lead to custody concerns. Parents can either agree on a specific division of parenting time or have a judge choose a way to allocate time-sharing between the two of them.
Most parents living separately from one another ultimately share both time with the children and decision-making authority for them. Sharing parental responsibilities is easiest when parents regularly communicate and maintain a certain proximity to each other. However, sometimes one parent wants to relocate despite sharing parental rights and responsibilities.
Florida limits parental relocations
If parents need to move away to pursue a better job or take their romantic relationship with a new partner to the next level, that choice can affect the entire family. Therefore, the situation demands either mutual agreement or a review by the Florida family courts.
The rules for relocation after divorce are relatively simple. If one parent wants to move, they may need approval or permission if their plans will take them out of the state or more than 50 miles from where they currently live. Provided that the relocation will last 60 days or longer, they will need the consent of the other parent or the approval of the courts.
Parents can sometimes cooperate to adjust time-sharing arrangements when one adult needs to move. If they cannot resolve the matter amicably, then they will go back to family court. A family law judge will look at the situation and determine what they believe would be in the best interests of the children. Although keeping both parents actively involved with the children is important, so too is having a robust social support network and the best educational opportunities.
Judges might approve a relocation provided that a parent can show would benefit the children. They can modify the time-sharing arrangements to reflect the greater distance between one parent and the children after an adult relocates. They can even deny one parent the option of taking the children with them when they move.
Understanding how Florida handles challenging custody matters, like a parent moving away, can help people better assert their rights as they move on with their lives after a relationship ends. Seeking legal guidance can be very helpful in this regard.
