Basics of Child Support in Florida

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Florida Family Law

Basics of Child Support in Florida

Child support is not waivable by either parent and must be paid based on the initial numbers that go into the child support formula.

Florida Family Law · March 8, 2022

mother and son walking hand in hand Child support is a court-ordered responsibility for the financial support for the care, maintenance, training, and education of a child. At Family Matters Law Group, we care about ensuring that your children are financially supported and that you are either paying or receiving the right amount of child support payments based on your family’s individual needs. When going through the divorce process, many parents and families have concerns about whether child support payments are properly calculated and what goes into the child support assessment in Florida. Keep reading to learn more about the basics of child support laws in Florida.

Understanding Child Support in Florida

To understand how child support payments work in Florida, what most parents need to know is that the court uses an algebraic formula to help determine the payment amount. It is a calculation that takes into consideration both parents’ incomes, the cost of child care, and the cost of healthcare, both for the children and for the parent. Once those figures have been determined, the numbers will go into a formula and it tells the court which parent owes the other parent what amount of money. Those numbers can go up or down depending on how many court-ordered overnights each parent has with the child. It is important to note that court-ordered overnights are not applicable to cases where the parents have not been married and the parents have never been to court before about the child. If that is your specific situation, then the number of overnights will likely be calculated at zero regardless of what has been actually happening between the two parents leading up to the child support payment calculation. Child support is not waivable by either parent and must be paid based on the initial numbers that go into the child support formula.

Child Support Payments

Once a child support order has been requested through the courts, the court can either go back up to 24 months or until the time the parents last lived together. The court will look at whichever one is shorter, not longer. If both parents have never lived together, the court can go back up to 24 months until the birth of the child. Child support payments are always modifiable. At any point in the future, if any of the original numbers that went into the child support equation change, and it would result in a significant difference in child support payments, the payment amount can be adjusted. If you are unsure about whether the other parent’s income has changed, or if the result would be significant enough to warrant a child support modification, we would recommend filing the child support modification and engage in discovery. If you have a rough idea of both parties updated income, your attorney may be able to give you an idea of what the child support payments would be moving forward. While child support is guideline-based and takes into account several factors, every situation has unique aspects. Making sure that your child support is properly calculated must take into account many factors. Modifications may be necessary when significant changes occur, such as job loss or a major change in a child’s needs. It’s important to seek counsel right away in these situations. If you are looking to adjust your child support payment, or you believe your ex-partner is seeking an adjustment to your child support payment that isn’t justified, it is best to contact a responsible law firm that specializes in family law. Contact us today at Family Matters Law Group for a free consultation.

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Fathers’ Rights in Florida

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Fathers’ Rights in Florida

Keep reading to learn more about paternity rights in Florida and how using an experienced paternity lawyer in Florida can be beneficial in achieving the paternity rights you are seeking.

Florida Family Law · March 8, 2022

Every father should have the right to spend time with their child or children. However, in Florida, fathers who are not married to their child(ren)’s mother do not automatically have these rights to be involved in their children’s lives or make decisions for their children. In fact, even if a father does not have custody rights to his child in Florida, he may still be legally required to pay child support. In this article, we will cover many important topics when it comes to paternity rights in Florida. From establishing paternity to relocation and what fathers’ rights in Florida entail. Keep reading to learn more about paternity rights in Florida and how using an experienced paternity lawyer in Florida can be beneficial in achieving the paternity rights you are seeking.

Establishing Paternity

It is essential to understand that when a mom and a dad have a child together and are not married, the father does not automatically receive paternity rights in Florida – even if the father’s name is listed on the child’s birth certificate. Under Florida’s “Natural Guardian Statute”, the mother is initially given all of the decision making and time-sharing rights regarding the child(ren). Even if a father has had long-term custody and decision-making arrangement with the child(ren)’s mother, but the mother decides to change this arrangement, legally, the father may not have any right to enforce the original agreement. If the child(ren)’s father would also like equal input for the child(ren), he will need to file a “Petition for Paternity”. This can sometimes be confusing as most people assume DNA tests and genetics with establishing paternity. However, when petitioning for paternity in Florida, this is not necessarily the case and is about a person’s legal relationship to the child. It is important to note that until a Petition for Paternity is filed, an unmarried father will not have legal parental rights to their child(ren). Once you have filed a Petition for Paternity, it is quite likely you will get substantial – if not equal – rights to the child(ren), similar to the mother in most instances. There can be exceptions to this as the Court can make adjustments to these rulings depending on what they determine is in the best interest of the child(ren).

Paternity Rights in Florida

Once a father has filed for paternity rights in Florida and has been granted full rights from the Court, the father will legally have input on parental responsibility, time-sharing with the child, communication with the child, and child support. When it comes to relocating the child(ren), this will require either consent from both parents or a court order any time after an initial court order establishing the parents’ time-sharing agreement of the child. This means if the parents have already gotten divorced or have been to court previously over custody, and either parent wishes to move more than fifty miles away from where they resided at the time of the last court order, they must abide by one of the following. The parent who wants to move must receive permission from the court or consent from the other parent in writing. The other parent’s permission in writing is not enough, however, to legally move. The moving parent must also create a plan for how each parent will contact the child(ren) moving forward if the relocation occurs. Relocation can be a confusing and challenging part of custody law. We would highly recommend speaking to an experienced family law attorney if you are considering relocating your family after a divorce. Working with the right paternity attorneys in Florida is vital to securing your future in your child’s life – especially if you are an unmarried father. Contact Family Matters Law Group today for a free consultation to discuss your specific situation with us.

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How to Enforce Child Support in Florida

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How to Enforce Child Support in Florida

Discover more about the basics of child support, and how it can be enforced, with this blog from Family Matters Law Group.

Florida Family Law · March 8, 2022

Parenting is never easy, even in the best of circumstances. However, when a person (or people) becomes a parent, they must provide for their child’s basic needs until adulthood. If a family separates and there are children involved in the divorce, typically, the parent not living with the child (the noncustodial parent) will pay money to the custodial parent to help support the child. This is known as “child support”.  Child support covers expenses for children such as food, housing, clothes, schooling, and other day-to-day activities. However, there are times when the noncustodial parent does not pay their dues, and things can get complicated for both parties. If you are in the difficult situation of needing to enforce child support payments from your previous spouse or partner, then keep reading. This article will cover the process of enforcing child support in Florida and what you can expect to happen.

Enforcing Child Support in Florida

An order must already be in place, signed by a judge, and filed with the court clerk’s office to enforce child support. Filing a Motion for Civil Contempt is the most common process to enforce child support. Civil contempt is used when a person violates a court order. When filing this motion, it tells the court that the Petitioner (custodial parent) has a valid order in place and the Respondent (noncustodial parent) is not following it. To prove your child’s other parent is in contempt of the child support order, you’ll have to show the following:
  • You have a valid child support order approved and signed by a judge.
  • The other parent hasn’t paid child support according to the order, and
  • The other parent can pay.
    • The court will assume the other parent has the ability to pay. It’s up to the other parent to show they can’t pay.
This results in “back” child support payments that the noncustodial parent will owe the custodial parent. If the judge decides that the noncustodial parent is in “contempt” at the hearing— which both parents must attend—the judge will issue an order stating how and when they should pay the overdue amount. Sometimes penalties for the noncustodial parent can be, but are not limited to:
  • Suspension of driver’s license
  • Paying a fine
  • Bank accounts can be seized
  • Income tax refund can be withheld
  • Or even jail time
At Family Matters Law Group, we are singularly equipped to offer well-rounded and holistic solutions for our clients, no matter their circumstances. If you are struggling to get the noncustodial parent to pay the child support they are legally obligated to pay, allow us to help you enforce your current child support order. Our skilled attorneys at Family Matters Law Group have worked with families all over the Miami Dade and Broward counties, including Doral, El Portal, Coral Spring, Miramar, and Miami Beach, to resolve their unpaid child support payments. Contact us today to discuss your specific situation and how Family Matters Law Group can provide you with the legal guidance you need to move forward.

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How to Process a Divorce by Publication

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How to Process a Divorce by Publication

Understand how a divorce by publication (or dissolution of marriage by publication) works in Florida with Family Matters Law Group.

Florida Family Law · March 8, 2022

No two divorce experiences are ever the same. As we all know, all families are different, and one family’s divorce process may look very different from another. While some families may legally separate quickly and amicably, this can be much more complicated if the location of one of the spouses is unknown. Divorce by publication is the type of dissolution of marriage that a petitioner can request when the defendant’s location is unknown or cannot be determined. This type of divorce is sometimes known as a “missing spouse,” “newspaper,” or a “one signature” divorce. In the state of Florida, you may still be able to file for a divorce even if the location of your spouse is currently unknown. If you want to know more about divorce by publication and the process of obtaining this particular type of dissolution of marriage, then keep scrolling.

Locating Your Missing Spouse

When filing for a divorce by publication, the Florida courts require the Petitioner to conduct a thorough search for their missing partners. In other words, if the Respondent is nowhere to be found or will not be found, the Petitioner must do a “diligent search” followed by Service by Publication. There are a variety of ways that the Petitioner can take action to try and locate their spouse:
  • Search public records of the tax collector
  • Check previously known residences
  • Contact family and friends of the Respondent
  • Inquire with previous or current workplace
  • Find out whether the Respondent is deceased – if so, date and location will be needed.
These steps are the minimum required of you by the court. If some of them were not taken, your case might not be reviewed until they are. You are encouraged to take additional action to find your spouse, such as hiring a private investigator, if you have the means to do it.

Divorce by Publication Process

To be eligible for a divorce by publication, you must complete and submit an Affidavit of Diligent Search to the court. If the Respondent has never lived in Florida, the court may require your divorce by publication to be carried out in the Respondent’s last known address. Below is a step-by-step guide if you have exhausted every method of locating your spouse and wish to file a dissolution of marriage. 1 – Prepare and notarize the divorce documents for a divorce by publication. 2 – Perform searches and print all the documentation. 3 – File the case with the proof of search. You may use letters, print screenshots, and find text chains with responses from different organizations, employers, friends, and anyone else you contacted. 4 – If you have a lower income, the court will issue the Notice of Publication. Otherwise, you will need to have it printed for 30 days. 5 – If you do not receive any response from your spouse, file the default paperwork after the expiration date and request a hearing. Please note this hearing is waived if there are no minor children involved in your divorce. 6 – Attend the hearing and get your divorce! Divorce by publication can be confusing without the proper guidance. Family Matters Law Group, P.A. has the specific goal of providing solid legal advice and support to families throughout South Florida, including Broward and Miami Dade County, that are experiencing family issues. We’ve worked with families all over South Florida in the past, including cities like Sunrise, Weston, Fort Lauderdale, Doral, El Portal, and Aventura. Contact us to get you started on the right path.

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Mediations in Florida

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Mediations in Florida

Mediation is the process of sitting down with a qualified mediator to attempt and reach a resolution. Keep reading to learn more.

Florida Family Law · March 8, 2022

When going through a difficult time in a relationship, mediation services can sometimes be a preferred solution for couples struggling to move forward and find common ground. If this sounds like an issue you are going through with your partner, you may find this article to be a helpful resource for mediation in Florida. Mediation is the process of sitting down with a qualified mediator, or mediators, to attempt and reach a resolution. In family legal proceedings in Florida, it is required if you have children. Mediation often leads to solutions that are better for families and cost less than other traditional legal outcomes. With the COVID-19 pandemic, many couples have turned to virtual mediations to maintain social distancing while moving forward with their divorce or other family issues. At Family Matters Law Group, we aim to reach lasting and beneficial agreements for the long term. Keep scrolling to learn more about the virtual mediation sessions we offer and how they can lead to favorable resolutions that cost less than traditional legal proceedings.

How to Participate in Virtual Mediations and Mediation Rules

To begin your virtual mediation with your partner or family members, you will first need a laptop, mobile phone, or tablet with internet capabilities. Ideally, the device you are using to attend the virtual mediation not only contains a microphone (this is a necessity to be heard and communicate) but also a video camera as well. Once you have your device, you will need to use a video hosting service such as Zoom or Google Meet. To ensure both parties get the most out of the session as possible, we highly recommend that you are in a quiet space where you will not be disturbed, with a good internet connection, and a phone charger or a power source (mediations can last for an extended period). If you are an attorney attending a virtual mediation with your client, we recommend using a desktop that has an integrated camera as it will make it easier for you to share documents or your screen if you need to be able to communicate with opposing counsel that is also in the session. If you don’t have access to the internet, you can dial in via a traditional telephone line. We would not recommend this, as seeing other faces and face-to-face communication helps ensure that your virtual mediation runs as smoothly as possible. We would also recommend that you have all the documents you wish to share with the other participant(s) before your mediation session in a folder so that it is ready to go when you need to present it. Typically, a mediator will start the virtual mediation with everyone in the “room”. They will then talk about the process, procedures, fees, and how the day will be handled. The mediator will then usually break people off into separate private rooms. The people in those private rooms can discuss their issues in confidentiality and not worry that other parties will overhear them. The mediator or host can then bounce between separate virtual rooms and merge the private rooms back together when s/he feels appropriate.  If some or all of the issues can be settled during virtual mediation, your mediator can then prepare a document while everyone is virtually present with the terms of the agreement. In some instances, documents may need to be notarized and virtual notary services can be accessed for an additional fee.

Benefits of Virtual Mediations

Not only can virtual mediation be arranged quicker than traditional mediation, but there are also no additional travel expenses or time costs as all parties can participate no matter their location. While virtual mediation services do cost the same amount as in-person mediation, the cost of mediation, in general, can be drastically less expensive than court proceedings. If you and your family are going through challenging circumstances and need expert legal guidance, Family Matters Law Group is here to help. Our skilled attorneys take each case individually and provide our clients with the patience and understanding necessary to properly handle their individual needs and goals. Contact us today to learn more about the ways we can help you and your family.

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The Five Elements of Divorce in Florida

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The Five Elements of Divorce in Florida

The acronym P.E.A.C.E. stands for: Parenting issues, Equitable distribution, Alimony, Child support and Everything else.

Florida Family Law · March 8, 2022

Divorce is a difficult time in any person’s life, no matter how amicable the separation. When it comes to Florida divorce laws, there are many different rules and regulations that can be overwhelming for many people. While things like child support have very straightforward guidelines, alimony is decided by the Courts. A knowledgeable and skilled lawyer is a great asset when navigating Florida divorce laws. We find the acronym P.E.A.C.E. useful to outline the various elements of a divorce. It stands for: Parenting issues, Equitable distribution, Alimony, Child support and Everything else. Keep reading this article to learn more about the components of P.E.A.C.E.

How to Manage the Five Elements of Divorce – P.E.A.C.E

As mentioned above, there are various aspects that go into divorces in Florida. Developing the acronym P.E.A.C.E was a valuable tool to help families process each separate element of divorce. P – Parenting Issues: This is a combination of parental responsibility and time-sharing, included in a document called a “Parenting Plan”. This is the most important consideration in a divorce if it involves children. E – Equitable Distribution: Equitable distribution in Florida is the division of marital assets and debts. Determining what assets and debts are marital can be a time-consuming process. This component of divorce can often be more complex than some make it out to be. We would highly recommend hiring an attorney to argue for your best interests. A – Alimony: Determining whether a divorce case is an alimony case or not is the next step in the process. If the divorce case is an alimony case, your attorney will discuss what alimony is reasonable or appropriate. This not only includes an amount of money but determines the duration of alimony payments as well. C – Child Support: If children are involved in a divorce in Florida, child support payments are then determined by using the formula set by Florida law. Factors such as each parent’s income, healthcare costs, childcare costs, and the number of overnights that each parent is getting determine what child support will look like for a given family. E – Everything else: These are all the other small details that will need to be carried out to finalize a divorce. Things such as name changes, required paperwork, taxes, etc., are part of this category. If you and your spouse are considering divorce, our skilled attorneys at Family Matters Law Group can provide solid legal guidance and support. Contact us today to discuss your specific needs.

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Prenuptial Agreements

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Prenuptial Agreements

Prenuptial agreements are contracts between would-be spouses that determine how issues such as property division and alimony will be handled in the divorce.

Florida Family Law · September 27, 2021

Prenuptial Agreements - Family Matters Law Group While years ago, many states were against prenuptial agreements, today, all 50 states allow couples to adopt prenuptial agreements. These agreements protect both parties and simplify the divorce proceedings in the unfortunate situation of a couple needing a divorce. While each state has its own unique set of rules regarding prenuptial agreements, in this particular article we’ll be covering Florida’s set of rules and regulations. Keep reading if you’re interested in learning more about the ins and outs of prenuptial agreements in Florida.

Prenuptial Agreements in Florida

Prenuptial agreements, sometimes known as “premarital agreements,” are contracts between would-be spouses that determine how issues such as property division and alimony will be handled in the event of a divorce between the couple. Prenuptial agreements are typically known as a way for the wealthy to protect their assets from a divorce. Nowadays, more and more couples are using these agreements to make sure their financial futures are certain. People who are interested in prenuptial agreements today have a range of interests and responsibilities. This includes people who have children from a previous relationship and want to protect their future inheritance, have business interests that they want to keep separate from their spouse, or want to pre-determine whether one spouse will pay the other alimony during separation or divorce. Prenuptial agreements in Florida cover any issues agreed upon by the couple that don’t violate the law or public policy. Typically, this covers each partner’s financial rights and obligations during and after the marriage but can also include rules about divorce or death. Alimony can also be covered in a prenup but it isn’t as straightforward. Alimony terms in a prenup can be amended (in writing) to provide for a different alimony arrangement at any time after marriage to reflect changed life circumstances, such as a situation where one spouse quits or reduces work for the collective good of the family unit. The following issues are the most commonly covered in prenuptial agreements:
  • How property is divided in the event of death or divorce
  • What happens to each spouse’s retirement plans and/or pensions
  • What happens to any life insurance policies
  • How each spouse can manage or control property during the marriage
  • Whether each spouse is required to write a will
It is important to note that a prenuptial agreement in Florida can’t affect child support or child custody. The court needs to calculate child support at the time of the couple’s separation based on their current ability to pay and the child’s needs. Judges will also determine child custody based on the child’s best interest at the time of the divorce. While alimony can be addressed in prenuptial agreements, it’s not always 100% effective. We would highly recommend contacting a lawyer to work with when creating or reviewing a prenuptial agreement, as they can be very complex. A lawyer will be able to provide you with the most accurate and beneficial advice regarding creating or agreeing to a prenuptial agreement.

Prenuptial Agreements Cost

One of the most common questions when it comes to prenuptial agreements is “how much does it cost?”. The answer is, “It depends”. Typically, prenuptial agreements can range in cost from $1,000 to $10,000 depending on the complexities. Each party in a prenuptial agreement must have their own separate counsel of their choosing. This will prevent any later attacks on the agreement claiming that a party didn’t understand what they were signing or that they were signing under duress. If you’re interested in getting a prenuptial agreement drafted you must have an experienced lawyer to advise you and be there to guarantee the validity of your agreement. The compassionate and knowledgeable attorneys at Family Matters Law Group are passionate about providing their clients with the patience and understanding needed to handle their individual needs and goals. Contact them today to schedule a meeting with an attorney! If you’re concerned that you or a loved one may be involved in a domestic abuse situation and want mediation or legal guidance, contact the team at Family Matters Law Group.  Contact them today to schedule a meeting with an attorney.

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Can I change my Custody Agreement in Florida?

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Can I change my Custody Agreement in Florida?

In Florida custody agreements, are called parenting plans. Parenting plans outline where the kid will spend time and who will make the decisions for him.

Florida Family Law · September 7, 2021

Custody Agreements - Family Matters In Florida, custody agreements, or Orders, are called parenting plans. Parenting plans outline where the child will spend time and who will make the decisions for the child. These two concepts, timesharing and decision making, make up the Florida version of custody (even though we do not use that word). Parenting plans can be established by a written agreement, which is then ratified by a Court Order, or can be entered by the Judge without the agreement of the parties. Either way, the outcome is the same, a Parenting Plan which is ratified by the Court and becomes a Court Order. Once there is a Court Order, the only way to change that Order is with a new Order. This can be done by submitting a new agreement signed by the Parties to the Court for the Court to ratify, or by filing a Petition for Modification of Parenting Plan and going in front of a Judge for the Judge to enter a new Court Order.

Parenting Plan

In Order for the Court to change the parenting plan, without an agreement between the parties, you must first prove to the Court that there has been an unanticipated, permanent and material change in circumstances since the entry of the prior parenting plan. So, you must first have a very good reason to modify the parenting plan. Once you have shown the Court that this exists, the Court will then, and only then, be able to decide what new agreement or new terms would be in the child’s best interest. Deciding what is in the child’s best interest takes into consideration many factors. Factors such as which parent is most willing to facilitate a relationship with the other parent, which parent is the most involved with the child’s school or medical care, what the parents work hours are, domestic violence, both parent’s living situations, etc. There is a presumption in Florida that parents will both have significant access to the child and will parent nearly equal amounts of time, if not equal. However, once a parenting plan is in place, this is no longer the case. Meaning, you do not exactly start fresh once you have proved that there has been a change in the circumstances.

Modifying a Parenting Plan

Modifying a parenting plan is not easy and should not be done without the assistance of an attorney as there are many legal, not factual, issues that MUST be addressed in order to be successful. We often turn clients away for modification if we do not believe they have a strong case as we do not want a parent to waste their money on a case that is not likely to succeed.  If you need a lawyer, contact the team at Family Matters Law Group.  Contact them today to schedule a meeting with an attorney.

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What is Domestic Violence?

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What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is not physical violence alone. Domestic violence is any behavior the purpose of which is to gain power and control over a person.

Florida Family Law · June 20, 2021

Domestic Violence - Family Matters Law Group Unfortunately, domestic violence is an all-too-common occurrence in the United States. According to the CDC, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience physical violence by their intimate partner at some point in their lifetime. Understanding the signs of an abusive relationship and how to leave a dangerous situation is vital to ensuring that any person suffering domestic violence has the best chances of escaping the situation before it spirals out of control. If you’re looking to better recognize domestic violence and how to avoid the cycle of violence that is common within abusive relationships, then keep reading. Please use this article as a guide, but if there’s ever an emergency, remember to call 911 or your local emergency number as soon as possible to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

Domestic Violence Facts

One of the most difficult things for many people involved in an abusive relationship is to recognize that they are involved in a violent relationship. Domestic violence can take a variety of different forms ranging from sexual and physical abuse to emotional violence and threats. Abusive relationships always have an imbalance of power or control. The abuser will use hurtful and intimidating words to control their partner. While some abusive relationships are obvious from the outset, many are more insidious and start relatively minor, gradually increasing in severity over time. Some common forms of domestic violence include a partner who:
  • Calls you names or insults you
  • Tries to control whether or not you see a healthcare provider
  • Forces you to have sex or engage in sexual acts against your will
  • Blames you for their violent behavior or says that you deserve it
  • Tries to control how you spend money, what you wear, or where you go

Types Of Violence

As mentioned above, not all violence is physical and domestic violence frequently takes a variety of different forms within an abusive relationship. Below we’ve listed the most common forms of control and violence tactics abusers will use on their partners:
  • Online or digital abuse – This involves the abuser monitoring your social profiles and/or emails; or sharing intimate photos or videos without your consent using GPS or spyware.
  • Financial or economic control – This involves the abuser using or misusing money which limits their partner’s current and/or future actions.
  • Physical or sexual abuse – This is the most obvious type of abuse as it involves physical or sexual aggression to a partner.
  • Psychological and/or emotional abuse – This involves the abuser using emotionally manipulative measures such as gaslighting and blame to confuse and intimidate their partner.
  • Coercive control – This is a pattern of degradation, isolation, and control with the use or threat of physical or sexual violence.
Leisa - Family Matters Law Group If you’re concerned that you or a loved one may be involved in a domestic abuse situation and want mediation or legal guidance, contact the team at Family Matters Law Group. Their skilled attorneys take each client’s particular needs into account and create a plan of action based on their situation. Contact them today to schedule a meeting with an attorney.

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Tips for Relocating with your Child

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Florida Family Law

Tips for Relocating with your Child

Visit our website to learn more about relocating with your child. Talk to a lawyer first. Learn all the tips you need to know.

Florida Family Law · May 6, 2021

Relocating with your Child in Florida - Family Matters
  1. Talk to an attorney earlier. These are VERY fact specific cases and NOT something that should be done without a lawyer.
  2. If you are relocating for work, have your documentation of your new employment in writing and in hand.
  3. Come up with a plan for how and when the child(ren) will see the other parent and who is going to pay for the cost.
  4. If the other parent has had substantial time with the child, be prepared to give up a majority of your school break time to the other parent.
  5. The other parent’s failure to pay child support can be considered in relocation.
  6. Make sure you are doing everything you can to facilitate a relationship with the other parent – it is a major factor for judges to consider in a relocation.
  7. Do your homework on the new location. Know about the crime rate, housing cost, and school grades.
  8. Do not underestimate how difficult relocations are. This is one of the toughest things to accomplish in family Court in most cases.
  9. See if there is any way to negotiate the relocation with the other parent; see #9 – if you get an agreement the Judge will not have to decide but you STILL need to file for relocation.
  10. DO NOT, we repeat, DO NOT move without the other parent’s written consent and new parenting plan OR a Court Order. This will be held against you.
If you want more information you can watch the video on our YouTube channel

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