Q: Do Florida Courts still have jurisdiction to modify Parenting Plan if the mother moved to another state?
Do Florida Courts still have jurisdiction to modify Parenting Plan if the mother moved to another state for more than 3 years
A:
Again, the short answer is yes, if there have not been any other court orders in another state. The heart of this issue isn’t just about legal jurisdiction; it’s about power, control, and fairness in parenting. When one parent moves out of state for years without addressing the existing court orders, it can feel like they’re disregarding not only the legal process but also your role and rights as a parent. This kind of situation often leaves the other parent feeling powerless, frustrated, and wondering how to regain a sense of balance and authority.
At its core, the unspoken problem here is trust and respect. Court orders exist to ensure that both parents have a voice in their child’s life, but when one parent unilaterally makes decisions, it can feel like they’re trying to take that voice away. It’s not just about geography—it’s about one parent asserting control and leaving the other feeling sidelined.
What matters most is how to address this imbalance while keeping your child’s well-being at the center. It’s about ensuring that your rights are respected and that your child gets the benefit of having both parents involved in their life, as the court intended. If this resonates with you, it might be time to explore what steps you can take to regain that balance and protect your role as an active, involved parent.
A: Yes, the Court typically retains jurisdiction over the parenting plan, and that jurisdiction remains in place unless and until the Court relinquishes it to another state. Generally, all motions or requests for modifications should continue to be filed in the Florida case until jurisdiction is transferred to another state.
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