My ex and I divorced in October of 2020. She relocated, with our elementary age kids, from Mississippi to Florida(10hr drive) in July of 2020. I fought the relocation, but she won. She had already established primary custody of the kids, leaving me with visitation every other weekend, via a temporary court order. The relocation changed the final visitation to me getting the kids every other thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring Break, as well as every summer break.

This schedule is extremely difficult, and I have been considering moving. After a quick search, it appears that FL’s default is to award parents joint custody, as well as a 50 mile relocation clause. Basically, a parent can’t move the kids outside of a 50 mile radius without court approval.

If I were to move, could I have my custody agreement modified to gain joint custody and enact the 50 mile relocation clause? I’m fearful of moving, and her relocating again out of spite.

Joint custody would also change my child support obligation. Basically, if each parent makes the same income and has joint custody, no child support is awarded. Say if she made 50k, and I made 60k, the obligation would be greatly reduced.

I’m 5 years into an active duty career with the Air National Guard, and am anxious about going back into the private sector….especially considering that I have been working towards a military pension. I also get 30 days of leave per year, which I use to go see them in FL.

I know that I need to speak to a attorney in Florida, but I just wanted to see if anyone has had any similar experience.