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Florida Child Custody Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Child Support, Divorce, Family Law and Child Custody for Florida on
Q: Can my ex wife get any kind of alimony even though it was waived when our divorce was final?

We have 50/50 custody of 3 kids and child support was not granted for either party. My career changed and I now make a substantial amount more than what I was making at the time of divorce, which has been final for over 2 years. She’s unable to obtain employment and was a stay at home mom when we... View More

Pamela J. Fero
Pamela J. Fero
answered on Aug 3, 2023

She can go back to court and file a request for alimony and child support. She'll have the burden to prove that there is a need for those kinds of support and that you are capable of providing it. Talk to a lawyer to know how you can be prepared if this happens.

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Child Custody and International Law for Florida on
Q: How do I prevent my husband from returning to the US with our children?

I am a US defense contractor in Germany. My husband is threatening to leave me and take our two children back to the US. We are here under the NATO Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). What are my options to prevent him from taking them back to Florida? Do I need to file for divorce or is there some... View More

Jane Kim
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answered on Jul 24, 2023

I am not a family lawyer but I work on international cases. This is what I know...

If the child is not present in Florida and resides abroad, Florida courts may not have jurisdiction over child custody matters under normal circumstances. Jurisdiction in child custody cases is typically...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Florida on
Q: I would like to allow my child's maternal grandparents to have concurrent custody.

I know that I need to complete a FAMILY LAW FORM 12.970(d), WAIVER OF SERVICE OF PROCESS AND CONSENT FOR CONCURRENT

CUSTODY BY EXTENDED FAMILY form. What is the next step, and how long does this process take?

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Jul 24, 2023

I am not sure what your legal goal is. Are you leaving the child with the grandparents? Do you want them to be able to sign legal documents for the chid in your absence? Your question is very broad. Speak with a local family lawyer and give more details for more specific advice.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Custody Issues between Florida and Pennsylvania

I’m a father and I have been living in Florida with my son who is 12 for 7 years. My sons mother recently came from Honduras and established in Pennsylvania. She came to Miami to pick him up for summer vacation which I agreed to because it’s appropriate for him to also see his mother. First she... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Jul 18, 2023

If you have never been to court before then the only way to protect your rights is to file a paternity case. Without that legal filing the courts cannot help you if the mother tries to keep the child. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Will I have to pay child support if I agreed 50/50 joint custody with other parent on martial settlement?

I’m in the process of getting divorce and we have come to agreement to split child’s expense. He insisted on 50/50 physical and legal custody. I’m currently working and he hasn’t employed for over a year. If I agreed with 50/50 custody and put into parenting plan, would judge honor it or... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Jul 17, 2023

Child support is calculated pursuant to the formula in the statute (law). The judge can only waive the exchange of child support if the amount is de minimus (very low). It may be possible (outside of court) for you and the other parent to agree to something different but that can create other... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody, Child Support and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: What form do I file after receiving and wanting to contest an "urgent motion for temporary parenting plan"

I am the petitioner and I have petitioned the court to establish paternity and other related relief, however, the father has hired an attorney (I am pro se) and the father wants time-sharing and has declared to be the Father but I want a paternity first. I don't know what form to file to... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Jul 15, 2023

If it was not in your initial pleading, file a motion for DNA testing. If you filed saying that he is the father and his answer admits that he is the father then paternity is established. You can ask the court for a partial final judgment of paternity. Speak with a local family attorney for more... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: In my divorce from my ex husband he was granted majority of custody even though it is shared , as of the beginning of

Last Year I have had my kids 24/7 with him spending little time with them , he rarely calls or text . And he does nothing financially for them.

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Jul 14, 2023

Based on what you are describing you can return to court and request a modification of the court order. The new order would reflect the time the children spend with you and child support would also be recalculated. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Florida on
Q: can i domesticate an custody from Brazil without a lawyer?

Which forms i need to do it? i was checking prices from a lawyer and they charge me more than 5000, i don't have that money. my ex give me the full custody but i need domesticate in florida, so i can have here too.

thank you

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Jul 14, 2023

Yes, you can do it yourself. The first step is to get the Brazilian equivalent of a certified copy of the court order. You would also need to have it translated. Once you have the translated certified copy you can file it with your local court. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Florida on
Q: Got a child custody final judgment. Opposing party filed motion to vacate. Do I follow final judgment while I wait?

I have no pre set child custody order. I just got through court the judge signed and filed a final judgment. The opposing party filed a motion to vacate and will not follow the final judgement until they go back to discuss the motion to vacate several months from now.

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Jul 13, 2023

This answer is based on Florida law. A motion to vacate does not change the prior order until a hearing is held and a new order issued. You should be following the initial order. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Florida on
Q: My ex-wife now has supervised visitation of our 3 children. Would she still be allowed to pick them up by herself?

The court awarded my request for supervised visitation and my ex-wife's visitation time (every other weekend) is supposed to be spent at her mother's house and under her mother's supervision. My ex-wife is arguing that she is still allowed to pick up/transport the children on her own... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Jul 11, 2023

You have included several issues in your question. The short answer is that she must follow the court orders, as written. If the two of you do not agree on what the court orders mean then you must return to court for clarification. Since timesharing is modifiable until the children emancipate,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Florida on
Q: Have a current court agreement of 60/40. Father told me out of no where that he moved 2 hours out of the city & changed

Schedule. I don’t mind that he moved but there was no communication about this and now he requested less days with her. And I am still receiving the same amount of money from him.

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Jul 10, 2023

Child support is modifiable until the child emancipates. If you agree to the new schedule then you should get it in writing. You can either agree on a new child support number or return to court for a modification based on the new schedule and your current incomes. Speak with a local family lawyer... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Family Law and International Law for Florida on
Q: I have been divorced from my ex in Brazil since 2022, he gave me custody of my daughter there, but I live in Florida?

I have been divorced from my ex in Brazil since 2022, he gave me custody of my daughter there, but I live in Florida and I need full custody of her here too, how can I proceed in this case? he was deported for domestic violence

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Jul 10, 2023

If you have a Brazilian court order then you can domesticate that order here in Florida. You will need a certified copy and it will need to be translated. Because it is international you may need an Apostille. Speak with a local family lawyer that deals with international family matters for more... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Florida on
Q: Can you terminate the rights of a father in florida who has never established paternity?

The father is only on the birth certificate, but we were never married and he never established paternity. He has a history of domestic violence, and child abuse, with numerous online and text threats to kill me. I want to know if I can have his rights terminated without involving him somehow for... View More

Pamela J. Fero
Pamela J. Fero
answered on Jul 4, 2023

Having his name on the birth certificate does not establish his rights as the father.

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Florida on
Q: If I were to enlist in the airforce at 17 would I be considered emancipated? In florida
Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Jun 27, 2023

You would be emancipated of you joined the military.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Florida on
Q: Originally from PR. Never filed a CS claim. Currently in FL since 2013. Son moved in w/ me 6 yrs ago he is 20 now.

Father lives in PR. Always threaten me not to file for CS bcause he took care of our other 2 daughters now over 21. My son needs help for college. Should I file a claim in PR since in FL age is 18th and does not recognize college expenses and support after 18th? Can I file for back child support?

Destardes Moore
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Destardes Moore
answered on Jun 26, 2023

Based on the information provided, it appears unlikely that you can file a new case for child support in Florida. However, I recommend you consult with a local attorney who can assess your unique circumstances. Furthermore, it may be beneficial to consult with an attorney in Puerto Rico to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Family Law and Immigration Law for Florida on
Q: Can a parent file a petition for child that lives in another state?

My ex lives in Pennsylvania she came from Honduras 5 years ago with her other husband and kids. I have a son with her that’s been living with me in Florida since 2015 when I arrived to the state from Honduras. Recently she came down here to Miami to pick up my son to spend the summer in... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Jun 22, 2023

If your son stays with his mother in Pennsylvania for six months or more, she will be able to file for custody there, and the Pennsylvania courts will have exclusive jurisdiction to decide custody. You should contact a Pennsylvania attorney for more specific advice regarding how to get your son;... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Florida on
Q: What do I need to do if I want to move my child out of state? Not married, not living together, no custody agreement.

I moved out with my daughter last year. I was letting my daughter see her father on the weekends, but we noticed some signs of abuse and took her to the ER. DCFS opened a case and dismissed it. I am planning to move out of state in the next 6-9 months and want to know what my legal obligations are.... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Jun 19, 2023

If you have never been to court for paternity then you, the mother, have full custody rights and can move wherever you like. If he takes you to court before you move then he may be able to delay or prevent the move. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Florida on
Q: If my child's paternal father did not sign the birth certificate in FL, does he have any rights?

He has been absent for nearly her entire life (almost 9 years). Looking into child support/back pay. He has moved out of state now and I am to be wed next spring and would like my future husband to adopt her. Looking for any advice on the first steps and the best way to go about this.

Destardes Moore
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Destardes Moore
answered on Jun 17, 2023

In Florida, in order for an unmarried biological Father to have parental rights, the Father would need to file an action with the Court to establish paternity. Consult with an attorney to determine what type of notice the biological father is entitled to as it pertains to the step parent adoption.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Divorce and Child Custody for Florida on
Q: Can I obtain an attorney to assist me with mediation so that I can just get my regular weekend visitation unmonitored.

This has been going on since the end of 2018 into 2019. My ex accused my mother of being under the influence of drugs (she was age 65) when she exchanged the children with him. He would stop me from seeing them if I didn't give him $300/month for child support. Unfortunately after he stopped... View More

Destardes Moore
PREMIUM
Destardes Moore
answered on Jun 17, 2023

You can retain an attorney to assist you with mediation. If that is the only proceeding you would like to retain an attorney for, then you would need to search for attorneys who offer limited-scope representation. Any allegations of abuse should be reported to the proper authorities. Consult with... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Florida on
Q: what can i do if my daughter is with her dad and his girlfriend but is infested with head lice and they have no

intentions of cleaning her head out.

Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
answered on Jun 9, 2023

Is there an active family court case? Get her to an MD and get a report to the judge. This case arises under FAMILY/ CHILD ABUSE law. You need to discuss with an attorney in your jurisdiction that specializes in this kind of law. Thank you for using Justia, Ask a Lawyer.

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