moving out of state

[thatzenchick]

So... I have two children ages 8 and 5. Their father and i are not yet divorced. I received an offer from my father to move to Texas and continue my education. It is something i would like to do. My soon to be ex is ok with this move and me keeping the children. My concern is if at a later date this could become an issue. What steps do i need to take to ensure i protect myself and my rights. Is a notarized letter enough for the time being? Is it necessary to go through the court system? The date i would be moving is fast approaching. Mid July. Will it be better to legally separate or outright divorce? Do i do this before or after the move? I dont want to screw him. If he gets the help he needs, i want him to be a part of their lives. I just want my kids to have a HEALTHY dad and see a mom that is not a codependant hot mess.

Additional information:
- Ex husband is a drug addict. He is still knee deep in his addiction. Currently he is enrolled in the drug court program. It is looking like he will be moved to an in patient facility.

- the county which i would be moving is one of the best in the country, from an educational standpoint. (Benefiting my children and myself.)

- i have been a stay at home mom for all of my childrens lives, minus the past year and a half. I had to find employment because his addiction caused us to lose our business and our home.

Some information may be unnecessary if an out of court agreement is feasible...

 

[army judge]

So... I have two children ages 8 and 5. Their father and i are not yet divorced. I received an offer from my father to move to Texas and continue my education. It is something i would like to do. My soon to be ex is ok with this move and me keeping the children. My concern is if at a later date this could become an issue. What steps do i need to take to ensure i protect myself and my rights. Is a notarized letter enough for the time being? Is it necessary to go through the court system? The date i would be moving is fast approaching. Mid July. Will it be better to legally separate or outright divorce? Do i do this before or after the move? I dont want to screw him. If he gets the help he needs, i want him to be a part of their lives. I just want my kids to have a HEALTHY dad and see a mom that is not a codependant hot mess.

Additional information:
- Ex husband is a drug addict. He is still knee deep in his addiction. Currently he is enrolled in the drug court program. It is looking like he will be moved to an in patient facility.

- the county which i would be moving is one of the best in the country, from an educational standpoint. (Benefiting my children and myself.)

- i have been a stay at home mom for all of my childrens lives, minus the past year and a half. I had to find employment because his addiction caused us to lose our business and our home.

Some information may be unnecessary if an out of court agreement is feasible...

When it comes to custody matters, its only legal if a court orders it.

As long as you are married, you can take the kids anywhere without the other spouse's permission.

If you're divorced, the court will address custody and support as part of the divorce.

Before you do ANYTHING, you might want to speak with a Florida lawyer.

Florida has jurisdiction of this matter.

Bottom line, this is too complex for an internet website.

You and dad need a lawyer, your own lawyer, as in one for him and one for you.

These things always start well, but end in acrimony.