Going through a divorce can be an extremely stressful life event. In addition to the added financial struggle, you also have to cope with being alone again. Relocating after your marriage has ended can be even more daunting. In fact, moving to a new city and divorce are among the most stressful life events in many peoples’ lives.
It’s important to take measures to manage stress and maintain your emotional health even more so during this time. This is especially important when children are involved.
Florida law defines relocation with a child as moving 50 miles or more from the primary residence for more than 60 days. After divorce, if you are the party planning to relocate, you will need the other parent’s written permission, or a court order, granting the relocation. The same is true for the other parent, if they are the party planning to move. For many people, the relocation may be much further away than 50 miles. It could even be across state lines. If you or your former spouse are planning to relocate, there are some things you can do to ease the stress for you and your little ones.
Communication is Key
A parenting plan is essential to any paternity case or divorce involving children. It determines how each parent will divide time with the children and work together to meet their basic needs. A relocation that has not been addressed in the parenting plan can throw a wrench in this plan and make things very stressful. However, through effective communication and open negotiation, with the help of an experienced attorney, it may be possible to avoid extensive legal litigation.
If you or your former spouse are contemplating a relocation, it is in your best interest, and the best interest of your children, to begin the planning process sooner than later. Because of the legal requirements involved and the ramifications of preparing a parenting plan, it is in the best interest for everyone involved to have the guidance of an attorney with the knowledge and experience needed in order to uphold a lasting agreement and parenting plan.
Helping Your Children With the Transition
If a relocation is in your future, as part of your divorce, a smooth transition is possible. Begin this transition by planning, well in advance, the best time to move to your new home. If possible, rather than transferring your children to a new school in the middle of a term, consider relocation during the summer. This will give your children more time to adjust to their new environment and also allow you more breathing room when moving.
Enjoy Your New Start
Regardless of the reason for your relocation, or the relocation of your former spouse, this is a new start for you and your children. It is time to leave the past behind and focus on yourself and your children again, minus the stress of an unhappy marriage. Though going through a divorce and relocation may be difficult at first, focusing on your new beginning and future possibilities is essential for you and your children’s emotional well-being.
If you are the parent who has relocated, explore your new environment right away. Do this with your children and on your own. This is your chance to meet new people and become involved in your community. Take up new hobbies you’ve always wanted to try but never had the time to pursue. Most importantly, concentrate on doing what makes you and your children happy and enjoy spending quality time together.
Contact a West Palm Beach Relocation Attorney for Help
If your current parenting plan does not allow for relocation, or if you have filed a petition for relocation, you should hire an experienced attorney to help you navigate this process. At the West Palm Beach family law firm of Eric C. Cheshire, P.A., we have the experience needed to evaluate your situation and help you through this process. Contact us at (561) 677-8090 to set up a consultation today.