Asked in Child Custody for Florida

Q: My girls no longer wish to live 1 week with me, 1 week with their dad. They hate going to his house. What can I do?

We've been divorced 3 years. The girls were 10 & 13 at the time of the divorce and they were refused a child advocate even though I begged and begged for one. They love their dad, which is good, but they simply do not want to be "Forced" as they say, to live with him anymore. They want to live with me full time and only visit him on weekends. I can't afford to legally put in for this change. What can I do? Are they old enough to refuse on their own? They cry and beg every time we head over there? I've heard from their friends, teachers, coaches that they complain all the time about having to be at their dad's house. He's a good dad and he loves them vey much. But he's the same person since he remarried. Even their older brother says that "Dad's changed. I don't like being around him anymore". I don't want to force them to go, and I don't want to get in trouble for keeping them. What can I do?

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2 Lawyer Answers
Robert Jason De Groot
Robert Jason De Groot
Answered
  • Deltona, FL
  • Licensed in Florida

A: You must follow the order and support the relationship between the girls and the father. In order to get this changed, their decisions are only part of what the court considers and it is not a controlling part.

John Arthur Smitten
John Arthur Smitten
Answered
  • Clearwater, FL
  • Licensed in Florida

A: File a petition to modify the order. Use of a lawyer is recommended.

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