In the land of the free, divorced parents or others who are living under custody arrangements may not feel free to roam. The truth is, parents in Florida who share child custody arrangements can’t just decide to relocate themselves and the child without agreement of the other party or court permission. In fact, under the law, you can’t move more than 50 miles away from your current residence with a minor child without a written agreement or approval from a judge.
For many parents, the statutes might seem like common sense measures that are unlikely to cause a problem. Why, some parents might say, would I want to move my minor child away from her support system and school district? But as soon as a new job opportunity or the appeal of a new city comes calling, parents begin to understand. For anyone in this situation, it’s important to know your rights.
One common reason parents seek to move with their minor children is economic. If a person is laid off or becomes unemployed for any reason, the tough job market may require a move to obtain desired employment. In some cases, a parent is offered a substantial raise or promotion in another location, which could be positive overall for the family.
In less happy cases, a move may be desired because of some trauma, problems in school or other issues. Whatever the reason for the move, if a parent feels that it is warranted for the future success and best interest of children, then jumping through the necessary legal requirements is worth it. For more information on what legal requirements are involved when moving with minor children, check out our page on parental relocation.