Choosing a home after a divorce might seem like a relatively straightforward process. Some spouses may even approach this process with enthusiasm, seeing it as an opportunity to “start fresh” in a different part of the state. Some move to a different state altogether after a divorce - ostensibly to put as much distance between them and their exes. But before you relocate to a faraway location, you might want to consider the effect that it has on your custody battle. If you need help with a custody battle in Florida, your best bet is to get in touch with a qualified, experienced custody attorney right away. These legal professionals can help you strive for a positive outcome in an efficient, confident manner. Along with geographic location, there are many other factors that can affect child custody that you need to be aware of. With guidance from an attorney, you can tackle all of these issues and fight for your parental rights.Why Moving Away Might Be a Bad IdeaMoving to another location might be a bad idea if you’re fighting for custody over a child. This is because the location between the parents’ homes is a factor that the court considers when determining the best interests of the child1. If the court comes to the conclusion that this distance is too great, they may believe that the child will be placed under considerable amounts of stress during the journey. How Far Is Too Far?

Aerial view of a neighborhood; image by chuttersnap, via Unsplash.com.

This is completely up to the court’s discretion. Some judges may believe that a 40-minute car ride places too much stress on the child2. Others say that this distance is acceptable. Still others may feel that even a 30-minute drive is too far. At the end of the day, the safest approach is to stay within the general neighborhood of your previous family home. Assuming your ex is still living in this home with the children as a primary custodial guardian, it’s important to maintain ties to your community. This includes your child’s school, any local sports clubs your child is involved with, and more. Doing so will give you an advantage as you approach your custody battle. Where Can I Find an Attorney Near Me?If you’ve been searching for a qualified, experienced custody attorney in Orlando, look no further than Timothy W. Terry, Attorney at Law. Over the years, we have helped numerous divorcing spouses in the Sunshine State. We know that maintaining custody of your children is your top priority. With our help, you fight for your parental rights and avoid common mistakes during your custody battle. This will provide you with the best possible chance of a positive outcome. Book your consultation today to get started with an effective action plan. Sources:

1. http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13.html

2. https://www.verywellfamily.com/psychological-effects-of-divorce-on-kids-4140170