Orlando Child Relocation Lawyer

Guiding You Through Complex Relocation Matters That Affect Your Family’s Future

The Donna Hung Law Group practices family law in Orlando to help individuals and families navigate some of the most difficult and emotionally complex issues they may ever face. Few matters impact parents and children more deeply than relocation cases. Whether you are a parent seeking to relocate with your child or a parent opposing a move, relocation decisions affect custody, parenting time, stability, and long-term family relationships. Our attorneys are here to protect your rights, advocate for your goals, and ensure the court fully understands your position.

Clients of the Donna Hung Law Group receive clear communication, practical advice, and a thorough explanation of what to expect throughout the relocation process. Our Orlando child relocation lawyers take a solution-focused and strategic approach to advocating for your parental rights, your child’s best interests, and the stability of your family.

Understanding Child Relocation in Florida

Florida law defines relocation as a parent moving more than 50 miles from their current residence for at least 60 consecutive days. This move can significantly impact the other parent’s relationship with the child, the existing parenting plan, and court-approved time-sharing arrangements. Because of this, relocation requires formal agreement or court approval.

Relocation laws apply whether a parent seeks to move out of Central Florida, out of state, or even to another part of Florida. Courts closely scrutinize these cases to protect the child’s well-being and maintain meaningful relationships with both parents when possible.

When Is Court Approval Required for Relocation?

A parent generally must obtain approval to relocate if:

• The move is more than 50 miles away
• The move will last at least 60 days
• The move affects time-sharing or parenting plan terms

Unless both parents agree in writing, the relocating parent must follow Florida’s relocation statutes precisely. Failure to follow the proper procedure can result in serious legal consequences.

Relocation by Agreement

The simplest relocation path occurs when both parents agree to the move. A relocation agreement must be:

• In writing
• Signed by both parents
• Submitted to the court for approval

The agreement must also include a revised parenting plan that specifies:

• New time-sharing arrangements
• Transportation responsibilities
• Communication schedules

Even when parents agree, court approval is required to make the agreement enforceable.

Relocation by Petition

If the other parent does not agree to the relocation, the moving parent must file a formal Petition to Relocate. This petition must include:

• The new address and location
• The reason for relocation
• A proposed new parenting plan
• A transportation plan
• Job or financial opportunity details
• The date of the intended move

The other parent has 20 days to file an objection. If they do, the case proceeds to court.

How Florida Courts Determine Relocation Cases

The court’s primary focus in relocation cases is the child’s best interests. Judges evaluate many factors, including:

• The child’s relationship with both parents
• The child’s age, needs, and development
• The impact of relocation on the child’s education and stability
• Each parent’s involvement in the child’s life
• The reason for the move
• The feasibility of preserving the relationship with the non-relocating parent
• The child’s preference, when appropriate
• The finances and resources of both parents
• Whether either parent has acted in bad faith
• Any history of domestic violence or safety issues

These factors shape the court’s ultimate decision on whether relocation is permitted.

Common Reasons Parents Seek Relocation

Parents seek relocation for many legitimate reasons. Common motivations include:

• Employment opportunities
• Higher income or improved financial stability
• Educational opportunities
• Closer proximity to extended family or support networks
• Military relocation
• Better living conditions or reduced cost of living
• Safety concerns or escape from unhealthy situations

Our attorneys present your reasons clearly, thoroughly, and persuasively to the court.

Objecting to Relocation

If you are a parent opposing relocation, you must act quickly and strategically. Objections must be filed within 20 days of being served with the petition. Parents opposing relocation may argue:

• The move is not in the child’s best interests
• The child has stronger ties to the current community
• The relocating parent cannot maintain the other parent’s involvement
• The move disrupts schooling, special needs care, or stability
• The relocating parent’s motives are improper
• The move undermines an established parenting plan

Our attorneys build strong cases to protect your rights and preserve your relationship with your child.

What Happens If a Parent Relocates Without Permission?

Unauthorized relocation is a serious violation of Florida law. Consequences may include:

• Contempt of court
• Modification of custody or time-sharing
• Mandatory return of the child
• Criminal charges in severe cases

Parents should never move without the required legal steps. Our firm can assist you before taking action.

Negotiating Parenting Plans in Relocation Cases

Relocation often requires modifying the existing parenting plan. Successful modifications include details such as:

• Long-distance time-sharing schedules
• Holiday and extended school break arrangements
• Virtual communication and technology use
• Transportation responsibilities and travel costs

Our attorneys help parents negotiate realistic, child-focused plans that work despite geographic distance.

What to Do If You Are Considering Relocation

Parents thinking about relocation should begin preparing early. Important steps include:

• Consulting an attorney before discussing the move with the other parent
• Gathering documents showing benefits of the relocation
• Evaluating schools, neighborhoods, and financial opportunities
• Preparing a long-distance parenting plan
• Keeping detailed records of your role in the child’s life
• Avoiding unilateral decisions or informal agreements

Acting carefully from the beginning protects your chances of a successful relocation.

What to Do If You Receive a Relocation Petition

If you are a parent served with a relocation petition:

• Contact an attorney immediately
• File your objection within 20 days
• Begin gathering evidence showing why relocation is not in the child’s best interests
• Document your involvement in the child’s life
• Avoid hostile communication or negative conduct

Our firm helps parents respond strategically to protect their parental rights.

The Legal Process for Child Relocation Cases in Florida

Relocation cases require precision, thorough preparation, and persuasive argument.

Filing or Objecting

One parent files a petition; the other responds or objects.

Mediation

Courts often require mediation before trial.

Evidentiary Hearing

If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to an evidentiary hearing where:

• Witnesses testify
• Evidence is presented
• Experts may offer opinions

Court Ruling

The judge ultimately decides based on the child’s best interests.

Comprehensive Orlando Family Law Practice

The Donna Hung Law Group handles a wide range of family law matters beyond relocation. Our attorneys represent clients in:

• Custody disputes
• Parenting plan development
• Time-sharing modifications
• Domestic violence cases
• Divorce and complex child-related issues
• Paternity matters
• Enforcement and contempt proceedings

Whether your relocation case is contested or uncontested, our attorneys provide experienced, dedicated representation.

Orlando Family Courthouse Information

Relocation cases in Orlando are heard in the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida.

Orange County Courthouse
425 N. Orange Avenue
Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: (407) 836-2000
Website: www.ninthcircuit.org

These cases often require multiple hearings and detailed evidence.

Orlando Child Relocation FAQs

What qualifies as relocation under Florida law?

A move of more than 50 miles for at least 60 days qualifies as relocation.

What if the other parent refuses to agree to the move?

You must file a formal petition for relocation and obtain court approval.

Can relocation affect custody?

Yes. Relocation may require modification of the custody and time-sharing plan.

Can I move temporarily and return later?

Temporary moves of 60 days or more still require approval.

What happens if I relocate without permission?

Unauthorized relocation can result in loss of custody, contempt findings, and legal penalties.

Serving Throughout Orlando

• Baldwin Park
• College Park
• Lake Nona
• Winter Park
• Thornton Park
• Dr. Phillips
• MetroWest
• Hunters Creek
• Avalon Park
• Windermere
• Celebration
• Waterford Lakes
• Mills 50 District
• Audubon Park
• Conway
• South Eola
• Bay Hill
• Lake Como
• Lake Mary
• Vista Lakes

Orlando Child Relocation Lawyers Here for You When You Need Us

At the Donna Hung Law Group, we understand how deeply relocation decisions affect parents and children. Whether you’re seeking to relocate or trying to prevent a move that could harm your relationship with your child, our attorneys provide skilled advocacy and strategic guidance every step of the way.

Call the Donna Hung Law Group at 407-999-0099 to schedule a confidential consultation and take the next step with clarity and confidence.