Boca Raton, FL asked in Child Custody for Florida

Q: Kids are 11 & 14. Clarification. For these work trips he takes them and will not ‘trade’ to support 50-50 time. Can he?

Dad has said ‘I will not grade with you’. So if i have a work trip, he will take them (first right of refusal) and will not trade days so kids can have 50% time with mom. Likewise we have a family wedding next summer that falls on dads day. He has said ‘no they cannot go because it’s my day and I will not trade with you.’ I believe trades should be kept to a minimum, but zero is not reasonable / life happens outside of our 5/2 schedule. Is there any remedy for me or can he do this just to be vindictive for the next 7 years until my kids are 18. They hate it and are continuously upset by the ‘unfairness’ to them as they see it. Of course I try very hard to not share my frustration with them on this topic, but it’s very impactful. If I could change the business travel, I would. Thanks!

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1 Lawyer Answer
Rand Scott Lieber
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Answered
  • Divorce Lawyer
  • Hollywood, FL
  • Licensed in Florida

A: Got it. You are asking about make-up time. Unfortunately you have to decide if it is worth returning to court to fight what appears to be unreasonable behavior. Your children are approaching the ages where they will understand what is happening whether you discuss it with them or not. This is the type of conduct that a court cannot efficiently regulate because it happens on a case by case basis. Sorry I cannot offer a more positive outlook.

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