Orlando Parental Relocation Lawyer

Name: Parental Relocations
Brand: O’Mara Law Group
Rating: 4.5 (71 reviews)

When a parent with custody rights seeks to move to a new residence, it can pose a host of challenges for both parents. In Florida, relocations beyond a certain distance from the previous residence require parents to enter a parental relocation agreement or seek court approval. The Orlando parental relocation lawyers at the O’Mara Law Group are ready to help you manage the legal details of reaching a parental relocation agreement.

Expert Guidance from O’Mara Law Group

When one of the parents engaged in a joint custody arrangement needs to move, this can give rise to some issues with the existing child custody and time-sharing agreement. If one parent is moving farther away from the other, issues may arise regarding transportation, visitation, and other custody details. Thus, parental relocations often require the parents to seek court approval or agree to a parental relocation agreement. The Orlando parental relocation lawyers at O’Mara Law Group have years of experience handling difficult and sometimes contentious parental relocations. We work with both relocating and non-relocating parents. Our attorneys are well-versed in the complexities of Florida family law and are ready to help advocate for you and your child as you navigate the parental relocation process.

Experienced Orlando Parental Relocation Lawyer

The O’Mara Law Group has experienced, award-winning Orlando divorce lawyers and family law attorneys. A family attorney can be an extremely valuable resource for those navigating divorce, child custody, and parental relocation, providing compassionate guidance and years of expertise. Our team of Orlando child relocation lawyers includes:

Founding partner Mark O’Mara has over four decades of experience as a marital and family law attorney in Central Florida. He is certified both as a Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator and as a Circuit Civil Mediator. He serves as President of the Central Florida Family Law American Inn of Court.
Mark Rabinowitz joined the O’Mara Law Group in 2023. He has practiced family law in Florida for nearly twenty-five years, handling cases for high-profile clients, including professional athletes, televangelists, and other high net-worth individuals. He has served as a member of the Family Law Rules Committee and the Marital and Family Law Certification Committee of the Florida Bar.

Florida Laws on Parental Relocation

When a parent with child custody rights under an agreement or court order moves or changes their primary residence, it can materially affect the custody terms. Depending on the distance, a parental relocation agreement or court approval may be required. Every state has different laws and regulations regarding parental relocation. Under Florida law, if a parent moves more than fifty miles from their old residence for sixty days or more, the child custody agreement must be modified, meaning the visitation and time-sharing schedule will likely need to be amended.

A written agreement outlining the new time-sharing arrangement must be signed by both parents and approved by the court.

If the parties cannot agree on an updated arrangement, the parent seeking to relocate must file a petition with the court and serve it to the other parties involved in the child custody agreement. If the other parent wishes to object to the relocation, they must file an objection with the court in writing.

What Factors Are Considered in Relocation Cases?

When determining the details of a new or updated custody agreement due to parental relocation, the courts will decide what’s in the child’s best interests first and foremost. In determining a child’s best interests, courts may consider the following factors:

Relationship with each parent
Age of the children
Distance of the relocation
Reason for the move
Education in the new location
Overall opportunity for the child

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Testimonials

What Our Clients Say

Compassionate Assistance

The Mark O’Mara Law Firm was a wonderful place and outstanding. Mark was very helpful and always made time for me, answering all my questions. But my hero was Susan Staggs, who prepared all of my paperwork. She is a real magician who takes it seriously.

N.L.

Exceptional Service

Mark O'Mara and his office provided excellent service, demonstrating professionalism and personal attention to all my details of my cases. He is one of the best in his field as a criminal and family attorney. He is honest, direct, and he always does his best for his client.

K.M.

Support in Family Law

Mr. O’Mara and his entire staff, especially Alyssa, were absolutely impressive with everything. Very efficient and punctual; their understanding of every little detail was way beyond expectations. Honestly, this law group has made a major difference in my life.

K.R.

Expert Guidance in Family Law

I can't thank Mr. Thompson and his team enough for their outstanding support. From the very first meeting, Sarah was incredibly knowledgeable and attentive. They handled every aspect of my case with such professionalism and care. This legal team truly changed my life.

B.M.

Dedicated to Fighting Your Cause

Knowing Mark O’Mara as an attorney who has represented me for the past 23 years and has also been a friend… I can say that Mark is not only dedicated to fighting your cause, but his team shares that same dedication. When you call his office the girls at the front desk always strive to assist you. As for the rest of his team they are committed to winning the best...

R.M.

Nothing Short of Amazing

Mr O’Mara and the entire staff were nothing short of amazing. Mr. O’Mara knew exactly what we needed to do and has even offered additional advice for any future risks. This was all new for me and they walked me through everything step by step and were very patient and most of all responsive and caring. THANK YOU!!!

G.G.

They Are Top Notch!!!!

I cannot express the gratitude I have for Mark O’Mara, Susan and their firm. I had a very difficult custody situation and they guided me towards the best decisions and fought for me. I highly recommend O’Mara Law Group. They are top notch!!!!

M.M.

Such a Professional and Personable Firm.

Such a professional and personable firm. Everyone treated me with respect throughout my entire process. I absolutely dread ever needing the services of an attorney again but I would certainly go straight back to Mark. Susan was awesome and she totally got me from day one. I can’t begin to say how helpful that was for me. Thank you to the entire team!!

S.D.

I Am Truly Proud

By far, the best person, if you ever need an attorney and someone who will always be there for you. I am truly proud to have Mark as my attorney, advisor and friend. Thanks Mark and Alyssa. Michael Hoffman, Attorney at Law and C.P.A.

M.H.

Way Beyond Expectations

Mr. O’Mara and his entire staff especially Alyssa were absolutely impressive with everything. Very efficient and punctual and the overall understanding of every little detail was way beyond expectations. Honestly this law group has made a major difference in my life and helped me through many obstacles associated with owning multiple businesses and continue to do so in...

N.L.

They Were Ready to Fight the Fight

When I went in for my consultation with Mark and Caitlin, I was in a state of total devastation. They lifted the burden and took away the stress of my situation by making me feel completely taken care of. They were ready to fight the fight I didn’t have the emotional strength to do so on my own. I have and will continue to recommend their law group to anyone needing le...

M.S.

Mark Omara was GREAT

Mark has represented me and I hate to say 2 family members of mine, all 3 times mark has delivered success. He has to be the best lawyer I have ever dealt with, he is caring of the situation and of your fears in facing legal matters , he made us feel comfortable , safe and protected. Surprisingly he never made me feel down on myself for stupid things I created that lead to h...

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What is the Legal Process for Parental Relocation?

If the parental relocation is uncontested and both parents agree on the details, a new written agreement must be drafted to reflect the changes.

However, if the relocation is contested, the parent seeking relocation must file a petition and give written notice of the petition to the other parties with custody of the child. This written notice should contain all relevant information about the new address and contact information. It must also contain a statement supporting why the parent wants to move and a proposed revised custody arrangement. The other parent must then register an objection with the court, outlining in writing why they seek to block the relocation.

Mediation

When the relocation is contested, the court may require mediation before proceeding with a full court hearing. Mediation is a more informal process involving all parties and a trained third-party mediator meeting to try and negotiate an acceptable arrangement for all parties. The mediation process may take several sessions to produce an acceptable agreement for all the parties involved. If mediation fails, the case may be heard by a judge.

The judge will review the case and determine whether relocating is in the child’s best interests. The legal processes for parental relocation in Florida can be complicated and stressful, so having an Orlando parental relocation attorney on your side is critical. The O’Mara Law Group’s child custody lawyers can advocate for you and your child throughout this process.

Is it Illegal to Move Away Without a Relocation Agreement?

It is illegal to relocate a child to a new residence more than fifty miles away from the previous residence without first reaching an agreement or getting permission from a judge. Moving away without a relocation agreement could subject the parent to criminal contempt charges. The judge may impose penalties, including fines or even jail time.

Moving without a relocation agreement could also have ramifications for child custody. The judge will consider the illegal relocation when re-evaluating the parenting plan and child custody agreement. It could also impact the judge when determining whether or not to grant the request to relocate with the child.

Rely on the O'Mara Law Group

Parental relocation is stressful, and navigating the legal procedures is often a source of added worry for parents.

Whether you are a relocating or non-relocating parent, getting help from a parental relocation attorney is important to ensure you protect your rights and take the proper steps. The O’Mara Law Group has decades of experience helping parents navigate difficult relocation agreements. Schedule a consultation today to see how we can help.