Moving Out Of The Old Neighborhood After A Divorce: Not So Fast

Many spouses are tempted to move away from their old neighborhoods after a split – especially after a bad breakup. While this goal is understandable, it can lead to a number of significant legal concerns that you should be aware of. In particular, moving too far away from your previous home can cause all kinds of issues with child custody. But how exactly does moving away affect child support, and how can you choose a new place to live without sacrificing time with your kids?

The first step is always to get in touch with a qualified, experienced family law attorney in Orlando. These legal professionals can help you strive for the best possible results in a highly efficient manner, and they can explain the various concerns that you might need to consider as you approach your custody battle. Remember, internet research can only get you so far. To achieve real results, you’ll need to meet with a lawyer face-to-face.

Why is the Distance Between Homes Important? 

So why does the distance between the parents’ homes play any role in a judge’s custody decision? It comes down to the child’s best interests (1). When making decisions on custody, judges are only allowed to consider what is best for the child. Your own desire to live in a new location will not matter, and the judge won’t consider any of your personal needs and wants.

The main concern here is the travel time between the two homes. If the child spends too much time traveling between homes each week, the judge could come to the conclusion that this is not in their best interests. Of course, the goal is always to minimize stress and difficult changes for the children faced with the consequences of divorce.

So how far is too far? That is the million-dollar question, and there’s no easy answer. Obviously, moving to a completely different country is going to complicate things, and the same logic probably applies to moving to a different state. But what about moving to a different county, or a different neighborhood? At the end of the day, the judge makes the final decision based on what they think is best. Some might argue that a 40-minute drive is too great a distance.

Where Should I Move?

 Generally speaking, you might want to stay in the same general neighborhood as your family home if you move out during the separation (2). This will give you the best possible chance of a positive custody outcome.

Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today 

If you’ve been searching for an Orlando divorce attorney, look no further than Steve Marsee, P.A. Over the years, we have helped numerous divorcing spouses in Florida, including those who are struggling with concerns related to child custody. We know that it might be tempting to put as much distance between you and your ex as possible, but you really need to think things through before making any hasty decisions. Book your consultation today, and you can get started with an effective action plan right away.

Sources:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13.html

realestate.usnews.com/real-estate/slideshows/the-best-places-to-live-in-florida-for-families