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Florida Child Custody Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Florida on
Q: Can my ex wife move from her residence taking our daughter without telling me?

I do not believe she moved out of state . I do not know where they are, I've asked to see our daughter but they come up with an excuse for me not to show up at the residence. They don't know that I know they moved. They keep lying to me. The ex wife has our daughter lying to me about where they are.

Pamela J. Fero
Pamela J. Fero
answered on Jul 11, 2024

According to Florida statutes, a parent cannot relocate more than 50 miles from their current residence for more than 60 consecutive days without the consent of the other parent or a court order. This applies to moves within the state as well as out of state. For the parent wishing to move, there... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Can I request temporary physical custody during emergency verified motion for child pick up order hearing?

Currently have physical custody of minor child which was obtained before the Notice of Hearing Before Magistrate.

Destardes Moore
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Destardes Moore
answered on Jun 24, 2024

Additional facts are needed. However, if there is an existing court order, it should specify who has majority timesharing. If no order is in place, the Judge will determine which parent will maintain temporary majority timesharing. Any request for temporary majority timesharing should be included... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Florida on
Q: If you father a child with a married woman, who has been separated from said husband for years, what rights do you have?

The one who fathered the child has financially helped the Mother and child since birth. He has been getting her alternate weekends and a few hours every Tuesday and Thursday since she has been able to walk. She is mad at the father at the present and is withholding the child.

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Jun 17, 2024

Legally, the man that the woman was married to at the time of the birth is the "legal father." This can be changed but you must take the mother to court on a paternity/ disestablishment of paternity case. You will need to include the man that she is/was married to in the lawsuit. Speak... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: In Florida, how likely would it be that an absent father would get custody and / or visitation? I need some legal advice

Sons dad resides in NY. My son & I reside in FL (son was born here) Sons dad has accused me of parental alienation since the birth of our child. He has always had a phone # to contact me & address. Ex has seen our 8 y/o son twice since he was born in 2015. I brought our son to NY in 2019... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Jun 16, 2024

The legal standard in Florida is what is in the best interest of the child. If a parent has been absent for an extended period the court is not going to thrust them together. Reunification is possible but can be a lengthy process. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Florida on
Q: Do I have to follow me and my exs time sharing agreement even though she doesn't live in her documented state?

I have a time sharing custudy agreement. I also have residential custody of my son that is based out of his mother living in Pennsylvania but she hasn't lived there in years and now resides on the east coast of Florida. Nothing has been changed in the courts on her end. I also live in... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Jun 16, 2024

Both of you are bound by whatever it says in your parenting plan. If you want to change the plan then you need to go back to court for a modification. As long as you are both following the parenting plan you can each live wherever you choose. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Florida on
Q: What would be the next thing to do while waiting on pending information from hearing on petitioner modification filed.

I have a custody case now open and the father of the child will not abide by the court orders as far as parenting plan given from different state. Case was thrown out because of jurisdiction and is now open here in state of FL. What is the next steps so I can get 50/50 here in FL as the case is at... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Jun 6, 2024

You are always able to request a case management conference (status conference) with the judge. Look online for your judge's division procedures and there should be instructions for scheduling. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Florida on
Q: I am currently still married to my daughter’s father we have been separated for four years. We have no custody agreement

My daughter lives with me and sees her father every other weekend and he has never paid child support. I want to move to Alabama so my daughter can grow up with her cousins since we have no family here. Getting a job wouldn’t be an issue and we could stay with family until finding a place to... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Jun 5, 2024

If you are still married then you both have equal rights over the child. Technically you can move without his permission; however, if he goes to the court you could be ordered to return. The better path is to either reach an agreement with him or go to court with a divorce/ relocation case. Speak... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Florida on
Q: My wife has 2 children from a previous marriage. We want to move to Orlando. Her ex doesn't work and pays for none of

The kids Insurance or extracurricular activities. My family, her family, and even his family live in the Orlando area. They have 50/50 time with the kids. We have no idea how he pays his bills as he hasn't worked In over a year. What do we have to do to force him to let us move.

Pamela J. Fero
Pamela J. Fero
answered on Jun 3, 2024

Try to talk with the kids' dad. Since you all have ties to Orlando, he might see the move as beneficial too. If he agrees, that's good! Just be sure to get that agreement in writing. If he’s not on board or things are a bit tricky, then you might need to petition the court for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Child Custody and Domestic Violence for Florida on
Q: My ex wife has an injunction against me. I am attending BIP and on probation. The injunction currently only allows for

Supervised visitation of my 2 year old son. When I complete BIP and get off probation, Does that qualify as a change of circumstance and allow me to modify the injunction to request unsupervised custody of my son at my home? No family case at the moment. We are still married. Divorce has not been... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on May 31, 2024

You can always file a motion to modify the conditions of the injunction. You do not mention if there is also a family case. You may be able to modify sooner than the end of your program and probation. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Florida on
Q: Does my son's father have to have custody to enroll him in school in TN and to take him to Dr visits
Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on May 31, 2024

In Florida, assuming that you are not married, it is the mother who starts with all custodial rights. Once you go to court for a paternity case then through shared parental responsibility both parents can make decisions as long as they are in agreement. If you are in agreement with the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Florida on
Q: I was just awarded sole custody of my son (17 months old) - do I need father’s permission to obtain a passport for him?
Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on May 27, 2024

You need to read the court order that awarded you custody. It may or may not allow you to obtain a passport without the other parent's consent. If it does not then you must either have the other parent sign the appropriate form or get a court order that gives you authority. Speak with a local... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody, Domestic Violence and Juvenile Law for Florida on
Q: How likely is it my kids would be taken if this was reported?

I live in an abusive home. I moved in with my grandparents in 2018 at the push of my grandmother. My grandmother adopted my sister for the money she gets, she tells she is going to leave her with me because she didn't sign up for the responsibility only the money. She calls her names, is... View More

Veronica LaVerne Robinson
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answered on May 16, 2024

It is unlikely that your children will be taken away from you simply because you have a condition which requires you to take medication. Many people in society have bouts of anxiety and depression and society, including family court, understands and does not condemn people who are going through... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Florida on
Q: If I have shared parental responsibility with father in another state can he take her out of state without my permission
Michael Ferrin
Michael Ferrin
answered on May 18, 2024

You need to take a look at your parenting plan as it should address travel. Usually if a parent wishes to travel with their children during their timesharing they would need to notify the other parent of the dates for travel, the location they are going, tavel information such as flight info etc,... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Florida on
Q: If I have shared parental responsibility with father in another state can he take her out of state without my permission
Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on May 14, 2024

In Florida, shared parental responsibility means discussing major decisions like health and education. If you have a parenting plan there is a separate section that addresses traveling. Generally, as long as it is his timesharing and he has informed you about the travel he should be able to go.... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Florida on
Q: I need to file a relocation for my minor child more than 50 miles.

This is due to the cost of living and child care in my area. I am selling my home and relocating to a more affordable town which would but me 60 miles away from the other parent.

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on May 9, 2024

I am assuming that you already have a parenting plan with the other parent. You will need to either get the other parent to agree or else file a supplemental petition with the court. This can be a costly legal fight so understand that going in. You will need to prove that the move is best for the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: do i have to pay child support?

Wife and i are getting a nocontested divorce. we have kids. we are sharing custody 50/50. the kids stay with me every other day. I know that it florida child support is based off visitation with the other parent. If they live with me literally every other day, and every weekend does that mean i... View More

Pamela J. Fero
Pamela J. Fero
answered on Apr 22, 2024

When joint custody is involved and parenting time is equally divided, child support is determined primarily by the financial resources of the parents. Although it’s uncommon for no child support to be mandated, it can happen under certain conditions, such as if the custody is shared 50/50 and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Can a husband accuse his wife of kidnapping their daughter if she wants to leave their house with her as a separation?

The couple can't live together in the same house. Then the mother would like to go to another place with her daughter. But the husband says that what she's doing is called kidnapping. What can the mother do?

Pamela J. Fero
Pamela J. Fero
answered on Apr 22, 2024

If there are no existing divorce proceedings or custody agreements, the mother must secure consent from the other parent or obtain court approval before relocating. This process can become legally intricate, particularly if the other parent opposes the move. Consult a local family law attorney to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Is it illegal to share an Alabama custody order in a Florida case that does not involve the same clients
Veronica LaVerne Robinson
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answered on Apr 19, 2024

It may be illegal to share an Alabama custody order in a Florida case where the clients are different if the Alabama custody order is considered confidential by law and a motion that will allow it to be presented as evidence before the Court has not been granted. However, if the foundation has... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Florida on
Q: Do i have to attend a deposition requested by email from the other parties attorney?

I'm wary because its through email and it seems not to be a court order. Just told "oral depositions is a normal discovery procedure authorized by the Florida family rules of procedure. Your attendance at this deposition is mandatory. I am only giving you the courtesy of coordinating it... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Apr 10, 2024

Because you are a party, you are required to appear for deposition when you receive a formal written Notice. Typically, her attorney would contact your attorney to discuss available dates for scheduling. If you do not have an attorney, her attorney would reach out to you for available dates, most... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Florida on
Q: If my dad has legal custody of me but he emotionally abuses me and im happier with my mom can i go back to my mom im 15

I have been wanting to live with my mother again for years he lied about her and said that she was abusive and unstable when she wasnt and im happier with my mom but mentally broken with my dad is there a way i can go back to living with my mom?

Osama Khalil
Osama Khalil
answered on Apr 5, 2024

Presently residing with your father, there's a possibility of transitioning back to your mother's care. As a 15-year-old, your perspective carries considerable importance in custody matters. The emotional strain you endure provides a compelling basis for revising the current custody... View More

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