How Mediation Can Help When One Parent Wants to Relocate with the Kids

Sometimes one parent wants to move with the children post-divorce, whether for a job, family support, or a fresh start. This can significantly affect a parenting plan and the other parent’s ability to maintain a close relationship with the kids. If this is true for you, an Orlando family lawyer can talk to you about how mediation can be a powerful tool to resolve moving disputes without a drawn-out courtroom battle.

What Is Considered Relocation in Florida?

Under Florida law, a parent must get consent or court approval before relocating a child more than 50 miles away from their current residence for at least 60 consecutive days. The move must be for legitimate purposes, such as better employment, improved living conditions, or proximity to extended family.

If both parents agree to the relocation, they can file a written agreement with the court. But if the other parent objects, the relocating parent must file a petition and serve it to the other party. This is where mediation can become essential.

Mediation allows both parents to have a say in the outcome and can lead to a solution that works for everyone, especially the children. Rather than leaving the decision up to a judge who doesn’t know your family personally, mediation puts the power in the hands of the parents.

In one Orlando-area case, for example, a mother wanted to relocate to Tampa for a job opportunity that offered more income and flexible hours. The father, concerned about losing time with his children, opposed the move. Through mediation, the parents reached an agreement where the mother could relocate, but the father would get extended summer visitation and more virtual contact with the children during the school year.

How Can Mediation Help?

Here are some key benefits of using mediation in relocation cases:

• Customized parenting plans. Mediation allows for creative solutions. This could include shifts in holiday breaks, virtual visitation schedules, or shared travel expenses.
• Reduced conflict. Relocation disputes can be contentious. Mediation fosters communication and can reduce hostility between parents.
• Faster resolution. Court hearings can take months. Mediation can lead to quicker agreements, which benefits the children’s emotional well-being.
• Less expensive. Going to court is costly. Mediation is often more affordable and can reduce legal fees significantly.

Should you be considering relocating with your children, or your co-parent has proposed a move, speak to an Orlando family lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand your rights, explain the legal process, and represent your interests during mediation, or in court if necessary.

Legal professionals will ensure that any agreement reached during mediation is legally enforceable and reflects the best interests of the child, which is the standard used by Florida courts, too.

Considering a move with your children? Mediation can offer a respectful and effective way to reach an agreement. The trusted family law attorneys at Donna Hung can guide you through each step, protecting your parental rights while prioritizing your child’s future. Call 407-999-0099 or contact us online to get started.