Best Relocation Lawyers in Hollywood, Florida

When a Hollywood move may require court approval

In Hollywood, Florida, a parent’s planned move with a child may qualify as a legal relocation under Florida law. The rules can apply when the new principal residence is at least 50 miles from the residence established in the controlling time-sharing order and the move is expected to last at least 60 consecutive days.

Parents generally need a written agreement approved by the court or a court order before relocating the child. A case is handled in the Broward County family court, part of Florida’s Seventeenth Judicial Circuit. The court considers the child’s best interests, including the effect of the move on the existing time-sharing schedule and the child’s relationships.

When a child relocation lawyer may help

• You received a relocation petition and need to object within the statutory deadline.
• You have a job offer or family reason to move from Hollywood to a home more than 50 miles away, and the other parent will not agree.
• The proposed move to another Florida county or another state would disrupt school, exchanges, or regular time-sharing.
• The other parent has moved, or plans to move, with your child without your agreement or a court order.
• You need to negotiate a revised time-sharing plan, including transportation, school breaks, and travel costs.

A lawyer can assess the existing order, prepare or respond to a petition, and help present evidence about the child’s needs and a workable parenting schedule.

Florida laws that govern child relocation

• Florida Statutes section 61.13001, “Relocation with a Child.” It defines relocation, sets petition and notice requirements, and provides the process for an agreement or court decision. A recipient generally has 20 days after service to file a written objection.
• Florida Statutes section 61.13, “Support of Children; Parenting and Time-Sharing.” It governs parenting plans and time-sharing and directs courts to consider the child’s best interests when making related decisions.

These statutes apply statewide, including in Broward County. The terms of an existing parenting plan or court order may also affect what steps are required in a particular case.

Frequently asked questions

What counts as child relocation in Florida?

Generally, relocation means changing a child’s principal residence at least 50 miles from the residence established in the relevant order or pending proceeding for at least 60 consecutive days. Temporary absences, such as vacation or education-related absences, are excluded under the statute.

Do I need permission to move with my child from Hollywood?

If the move meets Florida’s legal definition of relocation, you generally need the other parent’s written agreement approved by the court or a court order. Check your parenting plan and consult a lawyer before moving, because the order may impose additional requirements.

What if my new home is less than 50 miles away?

A move that does not meet the statutory distance threshold may not qualify as a relocation under section 61.13001. It can still affect your parenting plan or conflict with a court order, so review the order before changing the child’s residence or schedule.

How long does the other parent have to object?

Under section 61.13001, the other parent generally has 20 days after service of the relocation petition to file a written objection. Missing the deadline can affect the case, so get legal advice promptly after receiving papers.

Can the other parent and I agree without a hearing?

Parents can reach a written agreement addressing the move and revised time-sharing arrangements. The agreement must meet statutory requirements and be submitted for court approval; a lawyer can help ensure it addresses transportation and contact schedules.

What does the judge consider?

The court applies the child’s best-interests standard and considers statutory factors. These can include the move’s reasons, its effect on the child and the other parent, and whether a realistic time-sharing arrangement can preserve the child’s relationship with both parents.

Can I move first and ask the court afterward?

Moving a child before obtaining the required agreement or court approval can create serious legal problems. Speak with a family lawyer before changing the child’s principal residence, especially if the other parent objects.

Can I move without my child?

A parent may generally move personally without relocating the child, but the move can affect existing exchanges and time-sharing. Review the parenting plan and seek a modification if the current schedule is no longer practical.

How much does a relocation lawyer cost in Hollywood?

Fees vary by lawyer, case complexity, and whether the parents agree or litigate. Ask about the initial consultation, retainer, hourly rates, and likely additional costs; Florida law also allows courts to consider attorney’s fees in family cases based on the parties’ financial circumstances.

How long does a contested relocation case take?

There is no single timeline; it depends on court scheduling, disputes, and the evidence required. The 20-day objection deadline is a statutory step, but it does not mean the whole case will finish within 20 days.

How do I choose a lawyer for my case?

Look for a Florida lawyer who regularly handles parenting-plan and relocation disputes in Broward County. Ask about experience with contested hearings, communication practices, fees, and who will handle the day-to-day work.

Official resources

• Florida’s Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court, Family Division: Handles family cases in Broward County, including child relocation proceedings.
• Florida Legislature: Publishes the Florida Statutes, including sections 61.13001 and 61.13.
• The Florida Bar: Provides public information about finding a Florida lawyer and its lawyer referral services.

Next steps for finding and hiring a lawyer

1. Today: Gather your parenting plan, court orders, proposed address, move date, and any relocation notice or petition.
2. Within one or two days: Check whether the proposed move meets the 50-mile and 60-day statutory definition and note any response deadline.
3. Within a few days: Contact two or three Florida family lawyers who handle relocation cases in Broward County.
4. At each consultation: Ask about similar cases, likely strategy, court appearances, fees, retainer terms, and case updates.
5. Before signing: Review the engagement agreement and confirm which services and costs it covers.
6. Promptly after hiring: Have counsel review deadlines, prepare any required filing, and discuss whether a negotiated parenting schedule is feasible.