How do I transfer jurisdiction for child custody in Florida?

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Hey everyone, I’m dealing with a tricky situation and could use some advice. I’m trying to see how possible it is to transfer a custody case to another state. My ex and I had a pretty vague but mostly amicable parenting plan through a mediator in Florida where our divorce was finalized. It basically says we’ll try to work through disagreements before going to court, and I’m the custodial parent. We agreed that I would move with our child to Oregon to be closer to my family since he travels for work and is often gone for months.

After over a year of living here, he suddenly demands that I bring our child back to Florida immediately and keep them there until the custody case goes to court. He’s seen our child for a total of three weeks in person since we moved, and I’ve never stopped them from seeing each other. I always facilitate their FaceTime calls whenever he wants to see them. Sometimes when our child is busy with friends or birthday parties, he accuses me of withholding.

I have a lawyer and am now filing for a jurisdiction change, but I’m not sure how likely it is to be approved. My child has been in school here, made friends, and has family around. I want what’s best for my child, but their dad is gone for months at a time and has no family or connections in Florida. It feels like he’s trying to pressure me into moving back to Florida with our child. Any advice or insights?

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I got it done. You’ll need to file a petition in Florida and simultaneously petition Oregon. There will be a conference between the courts of both states. Make sure they know the child has been in Oregon for 6 months, as that’s a key factor.

Here’s the relevant statute: Section 61.520 - Inconvenient forum, Fla. Stat. § 61.520 | Casetext Search + Citator

In summary, Florida has to decline jurisdiction, then Oregon will become your jurisdiction since the child has lived there for the last 6 months.

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I wanted to give you all an update. I had a virtual meeting with a lawyer from Florida and got some additional advice. Now I officially have two attorneys; one in Oregon and the other in Florida. Oregon is petitioning for a jurisdiction change while the Florida attorney is handling things on that end and ready to counter any opposition my ex might present. I feel much more confident about potentially getting the jurisdiction changed. It’s a costly process, but I believe it’s the best way to increase my chances. Thanks for your guidance, it led me to seek out another attorney.

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Hi Dolph, Transferring jurisdiction for child custody in Florida involves a legal process that typically requires approval from the court.

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hi my cousin had a pestering issue on jurisdiction issues but was adviced to Consult a qualified attorney as the best way to navigate the transfer of child custody jurisdiction.