Legal Question in Family Law in Florida

Re: I'm a good dad

She cannot relocate without either your permission or that of the court. She MUST file a petition to relocate and if you contest it, she will have to convince the court that her relocating is not against the best interest of the child. There are factors about which the court must make findings one way or the other.

No, the courts don't always side with mothers.

A relocation is grounds for a petition of modification of child support. It may or may not be granted, depending on the specific facts of your case.

Re: I'm a good dad

It should be spelled out in the final decree, but if not then you go to Court and fight for your visitation rights, i.e., get your son for extended time in the summer when school's out. Remember the child support is for the child and what it takes to raise him is no different in NC than Fla.

Re: I'm a good dad

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You should review the final papers when child support was originally awarded (perhaps in a determination of paternity action?). This may set forth the rights of the ex girlfriend to relocate. If not, she will have to file a motion with the court which you can certainly contest.

The courts do not always side with the females although they may a greater percentage of the time but that is gradually changing. You can also file a motion to modify your child support because of the proposed move, but it probably will not be enough to change the terms.

Scott R. Jay, Esq.