Parental Relocation Attorney in Pinellas County
Understanding Florida’s Relocation Laws Before You Make a Move
Legal Guidance for Parental Relocation Cases in St. Petersburg, Tampa & Clearwater
Life circumstances change — a new job, a move closer to family, or a fresh start can all make relocation feel necessary or right. But when children are involved and a court order for time-sharing or visitation is already in place, Florida law requires specific steps before any move can happen.
At the Law Offices of Kerya L. Koeut, P.A., we represent parents on both sides of relocation matters in Pinellas County and throughout the Tampa Bay area. If you’re considering a move, we can help you understand what the law requires and how to proceed properly. If you’re opposing a move, we can help you respond quickly and protect your relationship with your child.
Whether you're the parent seeking to move or the one trying to stay connected, Florida's relocation process has real deadlines and real consequences. Understanding your rights early gives you the best chance at a resolution that works for your child.
Why Pinellas County Families Turn to Kerya Koeut
Detailed Knowledge of Florida's Relocation Statute
Florida's relocation law is specific, with strict notice requirements and tight response deadlines. We know this statute thoroughly and make sure our clients understand exactly where they stand.
Represention for both sides
We represent both parents seeking to relocate and parents opposing a move. Whichever side of the issue you're on, we build a strategy grounded in your specific circumstances.
Experience in Complex Family Matters
Relocation cases often intersect with existing parenting plans, custody arrangements, and time-sharing disputes. We bring the full context of your case to the table.
Clear Guidance When the Stakes Are High
These cases are rarely straightforward emotionally. We provide steady, informed counsel so you can make decisions with a clear understanding of your options and their likely outcomes.
Serving Pinellas County and the Tampa Bay Area
We represent clients in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Tampa, and surrounding communities throughout Pinellas County.
Florida's Parental Relocation Law Explained
Florida has detailed, specific statutes governing parental relocation. The process is not something to navigate informally — here is what the law requires and what courts consider when deciding these cases.
The 50-Mile Threshold
Under Florida law, a parent subject to a time-sharing order cannot relocate a child more than 50 miles from the child’s primary residence without either the other parent’s written consent or a court order authorizing the move.
Required Notice to the Other Parent
If the other parent does not consent, the relocating parent must file a formal Petition to Relocate with the court and properly serve the other parent. The petition must include the proposed new address, the reason for the move, and a proposed revised time-sharing plan.
20 Day Window to Object
Once served with a relocation petition, the non-relocating parent has 20 days to file a written objection. Failing to respond within that window can result in the relocation being approved without a hearing.
What the Court Weighs
Judges consider a range of factors including the reason for the relocation, the impact on the child’s relationship with the non-relocating parent, the child’s ties to school and community, whether the move is made in good faith, and whether a revised parenting plan can reasonably preserve the non-relocating parent’s bond with the child.
Relocating Without Authorization
Moving with a child without proper consent or a court order is a serious matter. The other parent can seek an emergency order requiring the child’s return, and an unauthorized move can significantly affect a parent’s standing in subsequent court proceedings.
Revising the Parenting Plan After a Move
When relocation is approved, the existing time-sharing arrangement typically needs to be modified to reflect the new distance. We assist parents in negotiating or litigating revised parenting plans that account for the changed circumstances.
Common Questions About Parental Relocation in Florida
If there is an existing court order for time-sharing or visitation and the move is more than 50 miles from the child’s current residence, you cannot relocate without either written consent from the other parent or a court order. Moving without following this process can have serious legal consequences.
The other parent can seek an emergency court order requiring the child to be returned. In addition, a judge may view an unauthorized relocation as a significant negative factor when making future custody or parenting plan decisions.
If both parents agree and submit a written consent plan, the process can move relatively quickly. If the relocation is contested, a hearing will be required, and the timeline will depend on court scheduling and the complexity of the case.
Courts weigh factors including the stated reasons for the move, the child’s existing ties to school, community, and extended family, the impact on the non-relocating parent’s relationship with the child, and whether a modified time-sharing plan can adequately maintain that bond.
You have 20 days from the date you are served to file a written objection. Missing that deadline can result in the relocation being approved by default. If you have received a petition, contacting an attorney promptly is important.
In most cases, yes. A significant geographic move typically makes the existing time-sharing schedule impractical. The parenting plan will need to be revised — through agreement or court determination — to reflect a schedule that accounts for the new distance while still prioritizing the child’s relationship with both parents.