Maitland Relocation Attorney
Orange County is one of the most mobile areas of the country. Most people relocate several times during their adult lifetimes. If these people are divorced with children, these moves might affect both parenting time and child support. It is important to work with a family law attorney in these situations. Even if the financial or physical changes are only slight, like a few dollars less or a few miles more, they add up quickly over time.
Florida law recently changed, so in many situations, streamlined modifications are available. At The Troum Law Firm, our Maitland relocation attorneys streamline the process even further. We work hard to present the best possible case as early as possible. So, whether you want to move or want to block a move, we are here for you.
Some Child Custody Factors in Florida
The slightest relocation often upsets a delicate pickup and drop-off balance. State law presumes that children benefit when they have meaningful and consistent contact with both parents. So, lawmakers recently approved new co-parenting laws designed to encourage such contact between children and non-residential parents.
Nevertheless, according to these same laws, most children benefit when they “live” with one parent and “visit” the other one. Some factors which Orange County family law judges use in this determination include:
- Parents’ Preferences: Some parents prefer partial custody to full custody, and some parents prefer the opposite status. Many judges take these preferences into account, especially if the couple divided responsibilities into caregiver and breadwinner during the marriage.
- Stability: Since divorce is such an unstable situation, most child psychologists recommend stable environments. So, if the current arrangement is working reasonably well, most judges will leave well enough alone.
- Children’s Preference: This factor is not as strong as some people believe. Many children do not want to choose sides, so they do not express a preference. At any rate, the judge still has the final decision.
In most divorce and modification cases, judges make important interim custody decisions at a temporary hearing. Because of the aforementioned stability factor, it is difficult to reverse these decisions. So, aggressive, early representation could be critical.
Child Support Awards in Maitland
Job changes cause many relocations. Since a job change usually means a salary change, child support reconsideration may be in order.
Florida is an income share state. So, the presumptive amount depends on a complex formula which accounts for parenting time division, the number of children in the family, the income of both parents, and some other factors.
Judges hardly ever deviate from the presumed amount. But if one child has special needs, such a deviation may be in order. The new amount must be based on the needs of the child, which is different from the wants of the child or the needs of the parent.
Both child support and parenting time may be modified at almost any time if circumstances materially, substantially, permanently, and unexpectedly change.
Connect with a Dedicated Maitland Family Attorney
When parents relocate, the relocations often involve custody and support changes. For a consultation with an experienced family law attorney in Maitland, contact The Troum Law Firm, P.A. We routinely handle matters in Orange County and nearby jurisdictions.