The desire of a parent to relocate with children can lead to child custody battles in Florida. For example, Florida has a vast geographical expanse. It can create substantial challenges when parents move to different cities.
The increased distance can limit the nonrelocating parent’s ability to be in the child’s daily life, leading to concerns about maintaining a meaningful parent-child relationship.
Disruption of stability for the child
About 19.3% of Florida’s residents are children, a significant percentage. Child development experts emphasize the importance of stability and routine for a child’s well-being. Relocation can disrupt the child’s established routines, including school, extracurricular activities and relationships with friends. The sudden upheaval may result in emotional distress for the child, potentially influencing the court’s decision on custody arrangements.
Communication challenges
While technology often makes communication more accessible, long-distance parenting comes with its own set of challenges. Even with video calls and messaging apps, maintaining a strong parent-child bond can be difficult when physical presence is minimal. The court must weigh the effectiveness of long-distance communication and the child’s emotional and psychological needs.
Legal standards for relocation
Florida family law provides guidelines for parental relocation, requiring the relocating parent to obtain court approval if the move is a significant distance away. The court considers factors such as the child’s age, the reason for the move and the impact on the existing custody arrangement, if there is one.
Common reasons for relocation include more family support, safety considerations, health considerations and parental jobs that may give the child access to more opportunities.
Overall, the implications of relocation can be tremendous. Parents often disagree with each other on the necessity of such moves.
