Fort Lauderdale Relocation Lawyer

Navigating the Legal Steps When Moving with a Child

Relocation cases are among the most sensitive and complex matters in Florida family law. When a parent wants to move more than fifty miles away with a child, even for a seemingly good reason, it can affect custody arrangements, time-sharing, and the child’s relationship with both parents. Florida law requires strict compliance with relocation rules, whether the move is for work, family support, education, or a new opportunity. At Haber Blank, LLP, we understand how important these cases are for both parents and children. As your Fort Lauderdale relocation lawyer, we are here to protect your rights and help you navigate this emotionally charged legal process with clarity and confidence.

Understanding Florida’s Parental Relocation Law

Under Florida law, a parent who shares custody cannot simply pack up and move a long distance with the child. Any relocation of more than fifty miles for more than sixty consecutive days requires either the written consent of the other parent or a court order. The law applies to all parents with a court-approved parenting plan, regardless of whether they were ever married. The purpose of this law is to protect the child’s relationship with both parents and to ensure that decisions about relocation are made with the child’s best interests in mind.

We help clients who are seeking to relocate prepare the proper petition with all of the required information, including the proposed location, reason for the move, and a revised time-sharing schedule. If the other parent objects, the court will set a hearing to consider both sides and determine whether the move is justified.

Filing a Relocation Petition

To legally relocate with a child, a parent must file a detailed petition with the court. The petition must include the address of the intended new residence, the date of the proposed move, the reasons for relocation, and a new plan for continuing the child’s relationship with the other parent. Once filed, the petition must be served on the other parent, who has twenty days to object. If no objection is filed, the court may grant the relocation without a hearing.

If the other parent contests the move, the court will consider a variety of factors to decide whether relocation is in the child’s best interests. These include the reasons for the move, the relationship between the child and each parent, the impact on the child’s development, and how well the proposed time-sharing plan preserves the child’s bond with both parents. We help you build a strong, evidence-based case to support your position, whether you are requesting the move or trying to prevent it.

Challenging a Relocation Request

If you are the parent being left behind, it is important to act quickly and clearly state your objections. Relocation can have a major impact on your parenting time and your ability to be involved in your child’s daily life. We represent parents who oppose relocation and want to maintain regular, meaningful contact with their child. We help present your case to the court with a focus on your involvement, the importance of consistency, and any concerns about how the move could affect the child.

We understand how difficult it can be to feel like you are losing access to your child, and we fight to make sure your role as a parent is respected and preserved.

Developing a Modified Time-Sharing Plan

Whether the relocation is agreed upon or ordered by the court, a new time-sharing schedule must be developed. This plan should account for long-distance travel, school breaks, holidays, and ongoing communication between the child and the non-relocating parent. The court expects a thoughtful, realistic plan that minimizes disruption for the child and supports the relationship with both parents.

We work with clients to develop and negotiate practical, child-focused time-sharing arrangements that fit the realities of long-distance parenting. If agreement is not possible, we prepare a proposed plan for court that prioritizes your child’s needs and supports your parental rights.

Relocation Without Permission

Relocating with a child without the other parent’s consent or without a court order is a serious legal mistake. It can result in contempt of court, forced return of the child, and a loss of custody. If you are facing an unauthorized relocation or believe the other parent is planning to move without following the law, we act quickly to seek court intervention and protect your rights.

We file emergency motions when necessary and work to prevent any disruption to your existing parenting plan. Prompt legal action is essential in these situations, and our firm is ready to respond effectively.

Our Approach at Haber Blank, LLP

Relocation cases require a careful balance of legal knowledge, emotional sensitivity, and strategic planning. At Haber Blank, LLP, we take the time to understand your goals, your family dynamics, and the legal context of your case. We prepare you thoroughly for every step, from filing or responding to a petition to presenting your case in court.

We believe that every relocation case deserves individualized attention and clear, honest legal guidance. We keep you informed, prepared, and supported at every phase of the process.

Speak with a Fort Lauderdale Relocation Lawyer

We have represented parents across Fort Lauderdale and Broward County in a wide range of relocation cases. Whether you are seeking new opportunities or trying to keep your child close, we know how to navigate local court procedures and present compelling arguments on your behalf. We understand how much is at stake, and we are committed to protecting both your legal rights and your relationship with your child.

If you are considering a move with your child or facing a relocation request from the other parent, do not wait to get legal advice. At Haber Blank, LLP, we provide the experience, strategy, and support you need to approach relocation with confidence. Contact us today to speak with a Fort Lauderdale relocation attorney who will advocate for your family and help you take the right legal steps.