This is the next post in my series on the handling of cases which involve moving a child away from Florida. My last post discussed attending trial in a Melbourne child relocation case. It is important to understand that the rules of evidence will be strictly enforced in a trial and that you should hire an experienced attorney to assist you with the process. If you need assistance with such a case then contact my Melbourne office today to speak with a lawyer. In this article I will discuss another important topic – how parents should conduct themselves after the case is completed.
It is a given that one parent is going to be upset after a trial. The situation will result in one parent leaving Florida with the child with the other being left behind or, if the Court denies the relocation, the parent who requested permission to move will not be able to take the child with them. It is important to understand that, while this is a time of heightened hostility between parents, it will be necessary for the parents to get along. A stable co-parenting relationship is in the best interests of the child for obvious reasons. It also helps to prevent the parents from going back to Court in the future.
A healthy co-parenting relationship includes being respectful to one another, not degrading the other in the presence of the child, responding to messages, sharing information, and following the Court’s scheduling/time share orders. If one parent is going to be late picking up or dropping off the child then it is important that they give their counterpart as much notice as possible. The parents should openly discuss issues related to schooling and any problems the child may be having. Most importantly, if the child is upset over the situation and is being difficult then it is important that the parents work together rather than blaming each other for their predicament.
If the parents fail to work together then there is a good chance that they will likely go back to Court. If one party is refusing to co-parent or to follow the Court’s orders then it will likely be seen as not being in the best interests of the child. Such conduct will also likely be seen as “changed circumstances” which would justify a modification of child custody. It is best to avoid such a situation and to work together instead.
Contact my office today to speak with a Melbourne family law attorney. I am able to assist with child relocation cases and will ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process. We also service clients in the Brevard County cities of Titusville, Cocoa, Palm Bay, Grant, Valkaria, and Rockledge, as well as in the Indian River County areas of Fellsmere, Sebastian, Vero Beach, Indian River Shores, and Orchid.