In a column published 12/30 in Attorney at Law Magazine, family law attorney Rebecca Palmer writes that divorce may involve the added challenge of a spouse moving to another state, making it essential for an individual to get adequate legal support to understand how Florida laws interact with the state where your spouse has relocated. A long-distance divorce adds layers of logistical, legal, financial, and emotional complexity during what is already a difficult life change.

“It’s essential to understand that divorce laws vary from state to state, as does property division, spousal support, and residency requirements—and your spouse’s new state might have less favorable laws for you,” Palmer writes. “Whether you’re concerned about where to file, how to manage custody arrangements, or how to divide assets, navigating these challenges successfully by focusing on the best outcome for your family will ensure you do not become a cautionary divorce tale.”

Palmer points to the importance of having an experienced divorce attorney to coordinate with the spouse’s out-of-state legal teams to prevent negotiations from becoming more complex, delayed, or stressful. She adds that there are many ways to navigate a two-state divorce, including mediation when the divorce is amicable, and other options when jurisdictional, child custody, visitation arrangements, or other marital disputes arise.

In particular, the “Uniform Child-Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) helps resolve custody-related jurisdictional disputes by providing a clear legal framework determining which state can make and enforce custody decisions,” Palmer writes. Seasoned legal counsel can help individuals, especially when a divorce relocation is involved, to “reach a mutually beneficial custody agreement, avoiding lengthy legal battles and keeping you and your children from living in limbo.”

Read the article in full; click here.