Skype

Skype is rapidly becoming the tool of choice for many family law judges throughout south Florida, Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale.

Relocation cases involving minor children are not uncommon in South Florida. Relocation can occur for a multitude of reasons, but most frequently relocation with minor children occurs due to job transfers and other employment related issues.

Florida Statue 61.13001 deals with relocation of children. The court is required to consider the statutory factors listed in the statute when deciding if relocation would be in the best interest of the minor child or children.

One of the statutory factors deals with substitute arrangements for continuing contact. Section 7 (c) of the statute reads as follows:

(c) The feasibility of preserving the relationship between the nonrelocating parent or other person and the child through substitute arrangements that take into consideration the logistics of contact, access, and time-sharing, as well as the financial circumstances of the parties; whether those factors are sufficient to foster a continuing meaningful relationship between the child and the nonrelocating parent or other person; and the likelihood of compliance with the substitute arrangements by the relocating parent or other person once he or she is out of the jurisdiction of the court.

Boca Raton Divorce lawyer Alan R. Burton frequently deals with this issue with relocation cases, and has found that many judges have readily adopted and embraced Skype as part of their rulings and orders.

Skype, for those of you who are not familiar with it, is an on line program that provides for video communication between parties. All you need is a computer, a webcam, and the Skype software downloaded on your computer. You register and are good to go.

Skype is just one example as to how technological advances can assist your clients in their quest for relocation. Although it is not the same as being physically present with your children, Skype does offers a viable and significant option.