Relocation Evaluations in Florida

A relocation evaluation is a specialized forensic psychological assessment conducted when a custodial parent seeks court permission to move more than 50 miles from their current residence with a minor child. Under Florida Statute 61.13001, the relocating parent must demonstrate by a preponderance of the evidence that the move serves the child's best interests. Dr. Rosiere's evaluation provides the court with an objective, comprehensive analysis of the psychological factors relevant to this determination, including the quality of each parent-child relationship, the child's attachment patterns, the motivations behind the proposed move, and the feasibility of maintaining meaningful contact with the non-relocating parent. The evaluation integrates clinical interviews, validated psychological testing, behavioral observations, and collateral information to produce findings that meet Daubert admissibility standards.

Florida Statute 61.13001 requires the court to evaluate multiple factors when deciding whether to permit a parent's relocation with a minor child. These factors include the nature, quality, extent, and duration of the child's relationship with each parent; the age and developmental stage of the child; the feasibility of preserving the relationship with the non-relocating parent through substitute visitation arrangements; the child's preference when age-appropriate; whether the relocation will enhance the economic and emotional quality of life for both the relocating parent and the child; the reasons each parent has for seeking or opposing the relocation; the career and educational opportunities available at the proposed new location; and any history of substance abuse, domestic violence, or other factors relevant to the child's safety. Dr. Rosiere's evaluation systematically addresses each of these statutory factors with empirical data.

A comprehensive relocation evaluation typically takes 4 to 8 weeks from the initial appointment to delivery of the final report. The process includes individual clinical interviews with each parent, psychological testing sessions, parent-child observation sessions, collateral contacts with relevant third parties, and thorough review of case documentation. The timeline may vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, the number of collateral contacts required, scheduling availability of the parties, and whether expedited evaluation is needed to meet court deadlines. Dr. Rosiere understands that relocation cases are often time-sensitive and works diligently to complete evaluations within the timeframe required by the court while maintaining the thoroughness and quality essential to forensic work.

Yes. Under Florida Statute 61.13001, the non-relocating parent has the right to file a written objection within 20 days of receiving the notice of intended relocation. If an objection is filed, the relocating parent must obtain court approval before moving. The court will then schedule an evidentiary hearing where both parties can present evidence regarding the child's best interests. A forensic relocation evaluation by a qualified psychologist like Dr. Rosiere provides the court with an objective, data-driven analysis of how the proposed move would affect the child's emotional well-being, stability, and relationship with both parents. The evaluation addresses each of the statutory factors the court must consider, including the child's relationship with each parent, the feasibility of preserving the non-relocating parent's relationship, the child's preference (if age-appropriate), and whether the move is made in good faith. Dr. Rosiere's evaluations are designed to meet Daubert admissibility standards and provide clear, well-supported conclusions that assist the court in making informed custody decisions.

While both evaluations assess family dynamics and parenting, they differ in scope and legal focus. A comprehensive custody evaluation examines the overall parenting arrangement and determines which timesharing schedule serves the child's best interests under Florida Statute 61.13. A relocation evaluation, by contrast, is specifically governed by Florida Statute 61.13001 and focuses on whether a proposed geographic move of more than 50 miles will serve the child's best interests. The relocation evaluation must address unique statutory factors including the quality of the child's relationship with each parent, the age and developmental needs of the child, the feasibility of preserving the non-relocating parent's relationship through modified visitation, the child's preference, the reasons each parent has for seeking or opposing the move, and any history of substance abuse, domestic violence, or other safety concerns. Dr. Rosiere's relocation evaluations incorporate standardized psychological testing, collateral interviews, home observations, and school or childcare records to produce a thorough, empirically grounded report that meets Daubert admissibility requirements in Florida courts.

Dr. Rosiere provides relocation evaluations throughout South and Central Florida, serving families and attorneys in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties. His practice regularly supports cases in the Ninth, Eleventh, Thirteenth, Fifteenth, and Seventeenth Judicial Circuits. Whether the proposed relocation involves an in-state move of more than 50 miles or an out-of-state or international relocation, Dr. Rosiere conducts thorough evaluations that address all statutory factors under Florida Statute 61.13001. He is available for in-person evaluations, collateral interviews conducted by secure telehealth when appropriate, and expert testimony in courtrooms across his service area. Attorneys seeking a forensic relocation evaluation should contact Dr. Rosiere's office to discuss case specifics, timelines, and scheduling availability.