Moving to a new home can be quite challenging for kids at any age and in any situation. It is easy for kids to become attached to the home where they have spent the majority of their time and where they have made all their memories. When you get divorced or separate, it is common for one or both parents to relocate. Kids that have to deal with a move, in addition to the divorce, are facing serious life changes. While this may be the best thing for the entire family, kids often don’t see the situation like that.
Moving with children after a divorce presents challenges, but there are a few things you can do to relieve some of the stress and confusion for you and your kids.
If you are going to be moving to a new city or state, this is especially important. Florida has strict laws regarding your ability to move out of state. Understanding these laws and your rights is imperative. In many situations, it will be necessary to consult with a family law attorney to ensure you aren’t breaking any laws or requirements. The last thing you want is to face legal consequences for not abiding by the state laws regarding custody and moving out of state.
Another important consideration is if one of the parents should keep the home you shared, or if it should be sold. A property is usually the largest financial asset that a married couple owns; however, maintaining it can be challenging alone. Take some time to consider the pros and cons of keeping or selling the home. This will help you determine what the right course of action is.
There is a good chance that regardless of what happens, your kids are going to get upset about this change. However, if you want to reduce the impact of the move, make sure you are positive and confident about the choices you have made. If you are wishy-washy about the situation, it is just going to cause more anxiety and stress for your kids. Also, talk to your kids about what is going on in a way they can understand. The more they feel like they are involved in the process, the better they will feel about the situation.
If you and your ex-spouse are sharing custody, then make sure that the kids feel at home in both homes. Even if both of the spaces are brand new, the child should feel like they are “at home.” Most importantly, you should give your kids time to adjust to their new surroundings.
Divorce can be complicated and emotional. You can reduce the impact on your kids by using the information here. If you need help creating a custody agreement, contact the family law attorneys at The Estevez-Pazos Law Firm by calling 305-717-7130. You can set up a consultation to see what options you have.
