Sons Mom Taking him to NYC Tomorrow
TLDR: My son’s mom is moving back to NYC tomorrow with our 3-year-old son. I’m struggling with whether I should fight to keep him in Florida or let him go with her.
Hey single dads,
I could really use some honest feedback from other fathers.
I met my son’s mom in 2021, and a few months later she got pregnant. I moved to NYC to be close to her during the pregnancy, and when our son was born it completely changed my life in the best way possible.
When our son was about 6 months old, we moved to Florida, where I’ve lived for about 20 years. Unfortunately, over time our relationship became very unhealthy. There was frequent verbal abuse, occasional physical altercations, and eventually the relationship completely broke down. At this point, I know staying together is not healthy for either of us or for our son.
Last week she told me she plans to move back to New York permanently and take our son with her. She already booked the flights for tomorrow.
This is where I’m torn.
On one hand, our son would be close to her family in Brooklyn, his grandmother, aunt, and other relatives all live there. I understand how important that family support can be, especially from a toddler's mom.
On the other hand, we currently live in a very stable environment in Florida. My son is already enrolled in school here, I own a business here, and financially I’m able to fully provide for him. His mom currently doesn’t work and would likely be living with family indefinitely once she moves back.
I’m not trying to keep my son away from his mother. I fully believe he needs both parents in his life. My struggle is figuring out what environment is truly best for him long term.
Part of me feels like I should let him go and avoid a huge custody battle. Another part of me feels like I may regret not fighting harder to keep him in the stable environment he already knows.
For the dads here who have gone through custody situations or co-parenting challenges:
What would you do in my position?
Would you fight to keep your child in Florida where he already has stability, school, and financial support, or would you let him relocate with his mother to stay close to her side of the family?
I genuinely appreciate any advice.