Co-parenting is already difficult. If one of the parents starts living farther away from the child, it adds another layer of complexity. When a father moves out of Florida, how is his timesharing schedule (formerly known as custody) affected?
Well, it depends on the visitation feasibility.
The feasibility calculation
Florida law explicitly instructs judges to look at the geographic viability before drafting (or revising) a timesharing schedule. When a father moves out of state, the judge may focus on specific hurdles:
- The amount of time the child may spend traveling, including flights and long car rides
- The child’s age and how travel may disrupt their day-to-day routine
- The financial burden that this travel may place on the family
Based on the new location, the court could give an updated timesharing schedule.
What would a modified timesharing schedule look like?
A court-ordered parenting plan is built to last, meaning a judge may not modify it unless there is a permanent and significant change in life circumstances. Since moving out of state involves a significant change of circumstances, the father can ask the court to modify the timesharing schedule to suit the new circumstances. In a situation like this, the court may change weekend visits with long-term stays during holidays or vacation.
Distance doesn’t mean disconnect
Ultimately, an out-of-state move does not automatically strip a father of his timesharing rights. Florida courts aim to strike a balance that preserves the father’s relationship with the child while keeping the child’s well-being at the forefront. A legal guide experienced in fighting for fathers’ rights can help a father request a modification of the timesharing schedule from the court despite the added miles.
