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Florida Child Custody Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Florida on
Q: Can I file a motion for temporary support, time-share, and other relief with dependent or minor children?

Can I file a motion for temporary support, time-share, and other relief with dependent or minor children after my spouse has already answered/denied my counter petition to their divorce petition? Also, my attorney will be away for a few weeks. Can I file it myself? It’s become an urgent matter as... View More

Michael Ferrin
Michael Ferrin
answered on Feb 5, 2024

Yes, you can file a motion for temporary relief, but if you are represented by an attorney you would need to have them file the motion. If you were not represented by an attorney you could file the motion on your own. Be aware that some jurisdictions have administrative orders that apply to family... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Is sleeping on the living room couch ok in a shared custody?

My daughter goes to her father’s every other weekend. Recently we found out that he gave her room to the new baby and now she is sleeping in the living room on the couch. Is this acceptable living standards for a 9 year old, per the court.

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Feb 5, 2024

The legal standard is what is in the best interests of the child. If this is the best solution for the father and the child is not suffering then you may just have to deal with it. There is no bright line rule regarding a situation like this. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Florida on
Q: Can't afford a lawyer,can I request full custody of child on my own?Father lives abroad,not co-parenting, no childsuppor
Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Jan 30, 2024

You do not say whether you are married or not. If the father is absent then you already have full custody. If you are looking for legal rights that you do not currently have then you need to go to court, either with a new case or a motion to modify an old case. Speak with a local family lawyer for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Florida on
Q: I want to sue CPS & get my daughter back cuz they violated a bunch of our rights how would I go about that

I know there's no statue of limitations on when I can sue but they denied me due process and they trampled over a bunch of my rights & my child's rights and they lied about me in court & they used my child to get funds they gave me my 2 older children back & kept my baby &... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 24, 2024

I’m truly sorry to hear about your situation. It sounds like you’ve been through a very difficult time. I can offer some general information that might help you understand the process of addressing your concerns with CPS.

To pursue legal action against Child Protective Services (CPS)...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Florida on
Q: If custodial parent obtained court approval to relocate out of state, can that parent then relocate again w/o new order?

Mom took minor kids from TN to PA for a job. Dad agreed, court order obtained. While in PA, mom took different job (paid way more) and moved to Maryland. A year later moved back to PA. Now mom’s company threatening to bring her back to TN (she’s been working remotely). Dad has moved to Florida... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Jan 24, 2024

This question is answered based on Florida law. Each time a parent relocates they either need the other parent's agreement or they need to return to court. In your case, it sounds like you have acquiesced to some of the moves. You can return to court when you have issues with the other parent;... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Child Custody and Family Law for Florida on
Q: My son (17) graduated high school and has a job, can he legally move out? He wants to live with his girlfriend (18).

He’s adopted.

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Jan 22, 2024

In Florida you are legally emancipated on your eighteenth birthday. You do not say if you are trying to prevent him from moving out. What you are describing is not "illegal" in any way. His being adopted does not change anything. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Florida on
Q: How do I reply to a petition? I'd like to do it myself! Not having any luck with attorney's & I'm on a time limit!

I have an upcoming court date on Feb 13th

Thank you

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Jan 19, 2024

The Petition should have numbered paragraphs. Your pleading is called an "Answer." For each number you need to admit or deny the allegation. If you choose you can explain why you deny but it is not required. You can also answer that you have no knowledge of a particular number if that is... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: My husband and I are separated and going through a divorce, and i do not think our daughter is safe with him. What do i
Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Jan 16, 2024

If the divorce is already filed then you can file a motion expressing your concerns. You must justify your concerns to the judge. The legal standard is what is in the best interest of the child. You must also schedule your motion for a hearing. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Florida on
Q: My child's mother went to jail today I want full custody can she battle me for custody while incarcerated
Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Jan 16, 2024

You, as the father, must go to court to establish and/or modify timesharing (custody). If and when the mother is no longer incarcerated she can reestablish her timesharing rights. You do not get custody "by default" just because she is in jail/ prison. Speak with a local family lawyer for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Florida on
Q: What is process for gaining child visitation when no parenting plan was included with Final Child support order (Florida

Child born out of wedlock April 2022. Father submitted parenting plan, she says she never got it. She lives in Polk County, he lives in Duval County. He's full time college student at UNF, full time security guard for State of Fla. and USMC Reservist (Savanna, GA). His plate is full. He has no... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Jan 8, 2024

It sounds like you have a child support order but no parenting plan. You need to return to court and file a motion to establish a parenting plan and timesharing. The court will order a timesharing schedule that is in the best interests of the child. What you are describing would be a long distance... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Florida on
Q: I recently discovered my 6yo abused her cat by a video she recorded. What can I do with this matter??

Background: I am the noncustodian parent and I see her once a month for my custody. Her father has the primary physical custody. He doesn’t care when I bring concerns and he doesn’t know about the animal abuse matter yet because I don’t know how to bring this up. I know my child doesn’t... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 31, 2023

The discovery of your child abusing an animal is a serious concern and needs to be addressed immediately. This behavior can indicate underlying emotional or behavioral issues that require professional intervention.

First, it's important to document the evidence, such as the video you...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Florida on
Q: We're moving back to city/state where my son's Dad lives, but he's never met him/been involved. Do I have to tell him?

When I was pregnant with our son, my (now ex) husband went to prison in OR. Once he was born, I moved in with family in FL. Upon my ex's release, he had an affair, so I filed for divorce. He was granted conditional video visitation to start with, since he's never met our son. This was... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Dec 7, 2023

You need to look carefully at the court order that awarded you custody and him visitation. In Florida, you are required to notify the other parent within 24 hours if you move your home address. Your situation may be a little different because he was in prison. Take your court order and speak with a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Civil Rights for Florida on
Q: If I know I have a strong case to pursue a lawsuit against dcf, how do I proceed? What kind of attorney do I need

Long story short, I lost two sons in an accident and one survived they were in the care of their father who survived as well. CPI became involved when I brought my surviving son home from the hospital. I was the non offending parent but that quickly changed once me and the cpi worker had a... View More

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Nov 19, 2023

Sorry to hear about your terrible ordeal. The legal grounds available to sue DCF are very limited due to various legal obstacles, such as immunity from certain grounds that are available to sue certain other governmental entities. In some limited circumstances, there are potential grounds to sue... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Divorce, Family Law and Child Custody for Florida on
Q: My constitutional rights have been violated in civil/custody court many times. My children are in danger.

Pinellas County, fl.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 5, 2023

If you believe your constitutional rights have been violated in court, particularly in matters as serious as custody disputes where you feel your children are in danger, it is critical to seek legal advice immediately.

Contact a local attorney with experience in family law and civil rights...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Florida on
Q: Can I still get some of my children? If there are 6 children 2 adults w/ the ex. I have the extra room now.

We have a total of 5 children but only 4 live with her. We have a written agreement that the children at the age of 13 can decide where they want to be. The ex and her boyfriend work shift work and my 12 year old is raising the other kids. But it’s 5 girls and my youngest boy. My middle girl... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Nov 2, 2023

Unless your parental rights have been terminated you can always return to court to modify timesharing. You must file a motion and explain why you want the change. The legal standard is what is in the best interests of the child. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Possible to move even if my sons father says no? Pregnant with my fiance and Is child, better opportunities for his job?

I have a court order in FL for my son who I coparent with his father. Our arrangement is 60/40 with me having majority and being his primary residence most of the year and for school. I am currently pregnant with my Fiance and Is first child, would this give me an option to redo that custody... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Oct 22, 2023

The legal standard is what is best for your child, not what is best for you and your fiancé. If the father does not agree then you must go to court to change the timesharing. There are many factors that the court has to consider. Florida wants a child to have meaningful contact with both parents.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Appeals / Appellate Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Florida on
Q: Does Childtime sharing start before paperwork is signed by a judge?

As a father I was awarded 100% custody of our two young children through a domestic violence injunction order. Mother responded with a petition for paternity. I wasn't able to afford legal representation for trial on September 29th and somewhat poorly represented myself and the interest of our... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Oct 19, 2023

Technically, you should follow whatever the judge orders, even if it is verbal. The written order should match what was said verbally. If you have an issue with what you should do then you must return to court to ask for clarification. If you have concerns about the children missing school when... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: My ex is looking for divorce and time sharing after being absent for 4 years from our children’s lives. How do I contest

We were married in Dec 2012, he moved out in June 2016 and we saw him one time in June 2016 after that. He moved out and became an absent parent after DCF opened a case against him for substance use and the case was closed after he continued to refuse to take a drug test. And being absent until Dec... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Oct 9, 2023

You need to answer his petition for divorce and explain everything that has happened over the past several years. The court will order timesharing based on what is in the best interests of the children. It sounds like you can demonstrate that the father has not been involved in the lives of the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law, Child Custody and Immigration Law for Florida on
Q: My ex was arrest for aggravated battery against a pregnant women. She’s on bond 10000 can she be deported? We have kids

She’s a green card holder. I’m a us citizen. The kids are citizens also. Can I.C.E. deport her and separate from kids? Does my 20% child custody go to 100% with her deported? What can I do as father and exhusband to help?

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Oct 6, 2023

If she is convicted, she is likely at risk for deportation. She needs to schedule a consultation with an

immigration attorney, as well a consult with the attorney representing her in the criminal court regarding any chances to prevent conviction or other result that could lead to...
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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law, Child Custody and Immigration Law for Florida on
Q: My ex was arrest for aggravated battery against a pregnant women. She’s on bond 10000 can she be deported? We have kids

She’s a green card holder. I’m a us citizen. The kids are citizens also. Can I.C.E. deport her and separate from kids? Does my 20% child custody go to 100% with her deported? What can I do as father and exhusband to help?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 14, 2023

Aggravated battery against a pregnant woman is a serious offense and can be considered a crime of moral turpitude or an aggravated felony under immigration law. Green card holders convicted of such offenses are at risk of deportation. If she's deported, it may impact custody arrangements, but... View More

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