Navarre Relocation Lawyers
Helping You Do What's Best for Your Children
Cases where a parent wants to relocate with their child can be challenging to navigate. Whether you want to give your child better opportunities by relocating with them or want to prevent a parental relocation request filed by a co-parent, it can be hard to identify the best way forward in a relocation case.
At The Virga Law Firm, P.A., our Navarre relocation attorneys work with parents to help them understand relocations laws in Florida and pursue their child's best interests in relocation cases.
To schedule a consultation with our team, contact us online or via phone at (800) 822-5170.
How Does Parent Relocation Work in Navarre?
The process for relocating in Navarre largely depends on whether the parents agree to the relocation.
If the parents agree, they must:
- Draft a relocation agreement together, detailing why the relocation is occurring, how they plan to arrange custody post-relocation, and verification that both parties agree.
- Once the parents have signed the agreement, they must file it with the court. The court will confirm that the agreement is legally sound and finalize it, making the relocation legal.
If the parents disagree, the parent who wishes to move must:
- File a petition to relocate with the court. The petition contains information about why and where the parent wants to relocate, why relocating is in the child's best interests, how they propose to handle custody post-relocation, etc. After filing the petition, that parent must serve the other parent with a notice of the relocation case using a third party (often a law enforcement officer).
- Once the other parent is served, they have 20 days to respond. They can file a response detailing why they oppose the relocation.
- After the other parent files their response, the court will set a date for a hearing. At the hearing, both parents will present their case for why the relocation should or should not occur.
- After both parties have presented their cases, the judge will make a final decision, either accepting or rejecting the relocation attempt.
How Do Courts Decide Whether a Relocation Should Happen?
In a relocation case, the court's primary concern is ensuring that relocating is in the child's best interests (and preventing the relocation if it isn't).
To achieve that goal, courts consider several factors:
- The child's relationship with both parents;
- The child's age and needs;
- How relocating would impact the child (whether it would be easy for them to make new friends, adjust to a new school, etc.);
- How relocating would impact the parents (whether it would result in one parent seeing the child less, for example);
- Whether the child has any special needs that the relocation may affect;
- Whether relocating would provide the child with greater opportunities;
- The parents' current relationship with one another and how relocating may impact that rapport;
- If one parent opposes the relocation, why;
- The motives of the parent requesting the relocation;
- The child's preference, depending on their age;
- The history of each parent (whether one has a history of substance abuse, cruelty, failing to meet expectations in the custody arrangement, etc.).
As you can see, courts have a fair amount of flexibility when it comes to how they handle relocation cases. For that reason, ensuring you're represented by an experienced Navarre relocation lawyer is essential.
At The Virga Law Firm, P.A., our Navarre relocation attorneys will work with you to protect your parental rights and pursue your child's best interests.
To schedule a consultation with our team for your relocation case, contact us online or via phone at (800) 822-5170.
Our Core Values
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The Client Comes First and All Else Will FollowWe take pride in delivering best-in-class client service and experience, understanding the privilege and responsibility we have when assisting clients and their families through legal matters. It is our highest obligation.
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Authenticity and TransparencyWe believe in being transparent about who we are, with ourselves, each other, and our clients and partners. This authenticity builds trust and fosters strong relationships.
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Relentless Pursuit of the WinWe achieve stellar results by focusing on personal and professional performance and goals. Our relentless pursuit ensures we deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients.
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Growth MindsetWe continuously learn, grow, and improve as individuals, as a law firm, and as advocates for our clients. We set and exceed both personal and professional goals to ensure ongoing development.
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OwnershipWe take responsibility for our work and actions, ensuring accountability in all that we do. Our commitment to ownership drives excellence and fosters a culture of trust and reliability.
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Results DrivenWe focus on outcomes and disregard the level of effort required. We have the vision and the discipline to do the work and face challenges to make our vision a reality for our clients.
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Respect and Celebration for One AnotherWe support each other with kindness and respect, emphasizing a positive work culture and celebrating along the way. We respect our clients and support them through their challenges.
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Unquestionable IntegrityWe stand up for what’s right with consistently sound ethics and courageous honesty. Our integrity is the foundation of our practice and guides our actions and decisions.
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We are in it TogetherWe are client and team-focused, committed to the firm’s vision, and act for the greater good. We carry our weight, bring others along, and act with civility, candor, and respect in all interactions.
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ReputationReputation is everything. We strive to have the best personal and professional reputations. We want our reputation to precede us and for opposing counsel to know we are committed to fighting for our clients.
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Associate Attorney, In Person, Panama City Beach Office
Job Title: Family Law Associate Attorney Position
The Virga Law Firm - Panama City Beach, FL
Are You Ready for More Than Just a Career?
We're not looking for just any lawyer – we're searching for an attorney committed to compassionate and excellent representation. If you're ready to make the practice of law both meaningful and rewarding, this opportunity could be what you've been waiting for. Join a firm where you're appreciated and part of a team dedicated to excellence.
Who We Are
The Virga Law Firm is a dynamic, high-growth family law firm dedicated to providing excellent legal representation and superb client care. Founded by Gerard Virga, who brings over twenty years of legal experience to the practice, our firm has established itself as a leader in family law throughout Florida. Our attorneys hold prestigious positions on various committees for the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar, demonstrating our commitment to shaping and advancing family law practice in our state.
Our core belief is "Caring is Contagious." We understand that nothing is more important than family – it's the bedrock of our civilization and closest to people's hearts. When clients entrust us with their family law issues, we recognize it as the highest honor and responsibility.
Each family is unique and requires specialized attention during the most emotionally trying times in their lives. Our mission is to protect our clients and their families, providing them with a strong new start to their lives. We achieve this by helping one family at a time through our multiple office locations throughout Florida.
Who You Are
The ideal candidate:
- Is obsessed with achieving results for clients
- Has a passion for family law
- Excels at identifying crucial case details
- Loves litigation and is comfortable in the courtroom
- Takes pride in developing litigation strategies
- Has strong negotiation skills with a compassionate approach
- Thrives in fast-paced environments
- Is committed to helping others and leading by example
Minimum Qualifications
- An active member in good standing with the Florida Bar
- Demonstrated experience in family law
- Proven history of passionate representation and client service
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Clio knowledge is a plus)
- Advanced knowledge in litigation and client relations
- Mastery of Zoom video conferencing for court presentations
- Ability to work independently and produce superior work product
Key Responsibilities
- Provide comprehensive legal advice and analysis to clients
- Manage complex high-asset divorce cases
- Handle parental responsibility and timesharing cases
- Navigate cases involving domestic violence, substance abuse, and mental health issues
- Represent clients in court proceedings and mediations
- Draft legal pleadings, motions, and orders
- Lead team members including Paralegals and professional staff
- Maintain a fast-paced workload with attention to detail
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive compensation package based on experience
- Dental and vision insurance options with family coverage
- Progressive Paid Time Off:
- One week per six months
- Up to 80 additional hours accruing each pay period
- Paid holidays and one flex holiday
- Parental and bereavement leave
- Paid continuing legal education, bar dues, and certification dues
- Professional development opportunities
- Supportive team environment
Why Choose The Virga Law Firm
- Unified company culture dedicated to success
- Highly trained support staff including Paralegals and Discovery Specialists
- Diverse caseload and full pipeline from day one
- An environment that encourages innovation and creative problem-solving
- Commitment to personal and professional growth
- No-drama, no-judgment work environment
- Strong focus on team collaboration
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit:
- Current resume
- Writing sample
- Two letters of recommendation
- Cover letter
How to Apply
- Call our career hotline at 850-565-3426
- Submit required documents
Additional Information
- Website: www.thevirgalawfirm/careers
- Email: careers@thevirgalawfirm.com
- Work Location: In-person at Panama City Beach office
- Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8-hour shifts
The Virga Law Firm is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace—A background check is required for final candidates.
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