Coral Springs Parental Relocation Lawyer

Last updated on September 21, 2026

Parental relocation can be a complex and emotionally charged issue in family law, particularly when it involves moving a significant distance from the other parent. At the Law Offices of Mark Abzug, P.A., we understand the challenges and nuances associated with parental relocation cases in the Coral Springs, Parkland, Coconut Creek and Pompano Beach areas.

With over 30 years of experience since 1992, our dedicated attorney brings a wealth of knowledge and proven strategies to each case, ensuring that your needs and those of your children are prioritized. We focus on a client-centered approach, tailoring our legal services to fit your unique situation. Our attorney works diligently to minimize the adversarial nature of these proceedings, striving for solutions that protect your rights while considering the best interests of your children.

We are committed to guiding you through the legal complexities of parental relocation, helping you to navigate this transition.

Parental Relocation With A Child

The Law Offices of Mark Abzug, P.A., represents divorced or separated parents who are considering moving out of state with a child, as well as parents who oppose relocation. Florida law generally requires court approval when a move will take a child more than 50 miles away for at least 60 days. There is no presumption in favor of or against relocation, and the court will consider at least 30 factors when deciding upon whether to permit a parent to relocate with a minor child as enumerated in F.S. 61.13001(7).

The factors enumerated in the statute are as follows:

• The nature, quality, extent of involvement, and duration of the child’s relationship with the parent or other person proposing to relocate with the child and with the nonrelocating parent, other persons, siblings, half-siblings, and other significant persons in the child’s life.
• The age and developmental stage of the child, the needs of the child, and the likely impact the relocation will have on the child’s physical, educational, and emotional development, taking into consideration any special needs of the child.
• The feasibility of preserving the relationship between the nonrelocating parent or other person and the child through substitute arrangements that take into consideration the logistics of contact, access, and time-sharing, as well as the financial circumstances of the parties; whether those factors are sufficient to foster a continuing meaningful relationship between the child and the nonrelocating parent or other person; and the likelihood of compliance with the substitute arrangements by the relocating parent or other person once he or she is out of the jurisdiction of the court.
• The child’s preference, taking into consideration the age and maturity of the child.

The statute also takes into account:

• Whether the relocation will enhance the general quality of life for both the parent or other person seeking the relocation and the child, including, but not limited to, financial or emotional benefits or educational opportunities.
• The reasons each parent or other person is seeking or opposing the relocation.
• The current employment and economic circumstances of each parent or other person and whether the proposed relocation is necessary to improve the economic circumstances of the parent or other person seeking relocation of the child.
• That the relocation is sought in good faith and the extent to which the objecting parent has fulfilled his or her financial obligations to the parent or other person seeking relocation, including child support, spousal support, and marital property and marital debt obligations.
• The career and other opportunities available to the objecting parent or other person if the relocation occurs.
• A history of substance abuse or domestic violence as defined in s. 741.28 or which meets the criteria of s. 39.806(1)(d) by either parent, including a consideration of the severity of such conduct and the failure or success of any attempts at rehabilitation.
• Any other factor affecting the best interest of the child or as set forth in s. 61.13.

Under the relocation statute, a parent seeking to relocate may request a temporary relocation order on an expedited basis. Usually, that means that the requesting party will be afforded hearing time within thirty (30) days after the filing and service of a motion requesting a temporary order. Furthermore, the court is also required to set the cause for a final hearing within ninety (90) days after a final hearing is properly requested.

Can A Co-Parent Stop Child Relocation?

Relocation disputes can be present even after the court grants a relocation request. While court approval is an important milestone in the legal process, it is not the final step.

A co-parent may still challenge or stop the relocation. Common reasons for such challenges include:

• Material changes in circumstances: A co-parent’s circumstances change after the approved relocation.
• Failure to comply with court orders: The relocating parent must strictly follow the court’s requirements. These include providing adequate notice or adhering to the parenting plan. Any violation could give the co-parent a reason to act.
• Harm to the child’s relationship with the other parent: If the co-parent can show that the relocation negatively impacts their ability to maintain a meaningful relationship with the child, the court might reconsider.

Key considerations include:

• Adhering to court requirements: Follow all conditions of the court order. Maintain compliance with the parenting plan.
• Documenting relocation benefits: Keep detailed records of how the move serves the child’s best interests, such as improved schooling, health care or more family support.
• Avoiding conflicts: Working collaboratively with your co-parent can help with future child custody disputes.

During these difficult times, having a skilled legal team can prove beneficial. At the Law Offices of Mark Abzug, P.A., we understand the challenges of relocation disputes. Our relocation attorney can handle them effectively.

Our lawyers can guide you through the legal process. We can help ensure compliance with court orders and prepare against challenges. If you are seeking to protect your right to relocate or defend against a challenge, we can help you achieve the best outcome for you and your child.

The Penalties For Moving Without Court Approval

Moving with a child without following Florida’s relocation process can create serious legal problems. If you are moving out of state with a child and have no custody agreement in Florida, do not assume you can relocate first and address the issue later. Florida law allows a court to order the child’s return and consider the unauthorized move in later custody and time-sharing proceedings.

Emergency Orders to Return the Child

A judge can issue a temporary order requiring the child’s return when a parent relocates without the required agreement or court approval. An emergency return of the child may require the parent to bring the child back to Broward or Palm Beach County while the court reviews the case. We can help you act quickly when a relocation dispute requires immediate court intervention.

Contempt of Court & Financial Sanctions

Relocating without following Florida’s requirements can lead to contempt of court proceedings. The court may also require the parent who moved to pay reasonable expenses and the other parent’s attorney’s fees and costs. Depending on the circumstances, the court may impose additional financial sanctions authorized by law. These costs can increase when an unauthorized move creates travel or other expenses tied to the child’s time-sharing schedule.

Losing Custody Or Time-Sharing Rights

An unauthorized move can damage a parent’s credibility with the court and affect future decisions about custody and time-sharing. Florida law allows the court to consider the violation when deciding whether to modify a parenting plan or time-sharing schedule. It can also support an order for the temporary or permanent return of the child. In some cases, this conduct may contribute to a permanent change in primary custody. The potential penalty for moving without permission in Florida can therefore extend beyond the immediate dispute.

The Right Way: Requesting A Temporary Relocation Order

A parent may face an urgent need to move, such as an immediate job offer. That does not mean the parent should relocate first and seek approval later. Instead, the parent can ask the court for an expedited temporary relocation order in Florida. We can help you understand the process, prepare the necessary filing and present the reasons for the requested move while the court considers the case.

How We Can Help You

Attorney Abzug has significant experience in helping parents relocate and helping parents prevent relocation. These types of cases require a lot of work in a short period of time, and it is important for a client to hire an attorney who is able to do everything that is necessary so that your case is properly presented in court. Most judges and family law attorneys believe that relocation cases are the most difficult to work on because the stakes are so high. In the event that relocation is permitted, to be sure, the court will do everything in its power to create a substitute child custody or time-sharing schedule.

If you are served with a Petition for Parental Relocation with Minor Child, it is imperative that you seek the advice of an experienced family law attorney as soon as possible. Generally, you are provided twenty (20) days from the date that you are served in which to file and objection to the relocation and to file an appropriate reply. You should not wait until the nineteenth (19th) day in which to visit a lawyer. Again, these cases are very time-sensitive and require great care and attention.

Navigating Family Relocation Law In Palm Beach County

Moving with a child after a divorce or custody arrangement can be complicated. In Palm Beach, these cases fall under strict Florida law, which requires careful consideration of the child’s best interests. Whether you are in West Palm Beach or Boca Raton, working with an experienced family relocation lawyer in Palm Beach County is essential. 

Under Florida law, any move that takes a child more than 50 miles away for 60 days or more requires legal approval. If both parents agree, they must file relocation agreements with the court. These agreements should outline: 

• The new location and address 
• A proposed time-sharing schedule 
• Travel arrangements for the child 

However, if one parent objects, the custodial parent must file a petition, and a judge will determine if the move supports the child’s well-being. Courts consider factors such as: 

• The reasons for relocation 
• The relationship between the child and both parents 
• The impact on the child’s education and emotional development 
• The ability of both parents to maintain a meaningful relationship 

These are not easy decisions. In high-conflict family law cases, emotions can run high, and it is vital to have legal guidance. Our skilled family relocation lawyer, whom Palm Beach County residents rely on, can help you understand your rights, present strong arguments and protect your child’s future. 

Attorney Mark Abzug has helped families across Palm Beach, from West Palm Beach to Boca Raton, handle the challenges of relocation. Whether you are the custodial parent seeking to move or the other parent wanting to maintain access, he offers honest feedback, compassionate support and powerful representation. 

Mark Abzug knows that no two family law cases are alike. So, he takes time to understand your family’s unique goals and concerns. He fights hard in and out of court to secure outcomes that reflect the best interests of the children. 

If you are dealing with a move, get the guidance and protection your family deserves with attorney Mark Abzug on your side. He can help build a strong, evidence-based case that prioritizes your child’s stability and well-being. With deep knowledge of family law cases in Palm Beach, our attorney works to reduce stress while protecting your parental rights and helping ensure the outcome aligns with the children’s best interests. 

Call Us Today To Get The Legal Help You Need

The Law Offices of Mark Abzug, P.A., represents clients in relocation cases throughout Broward County, including Coral Springs and Parkland. For more information, please call our office to schedule an appointment for a free consultation at 954-840-8883 or fill out our online contact form to send us a message.