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Florida Child Custody Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Divorce for Florida on
Q: My wife filled divorce we got 3 kids
Michael Ferrin
Michael Ferrin
answered on Dec 9, 2022

As stated in the prior response, you have 20 calendar days to respond to the petition once you have been properly served. We also recommend that you file a counter petition along with your answer assuming there are not personal or subject matter jurisdiction issues (same goes for filing the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Divorce for Florida on
Q: My wife filled divorce we got 3 kids
Paul Michael McDermott
Paul Michael McDermott
answered on Dec 8, 2022

You have 20 days to file your Answer to the Petition once you are actually "served" by the process server. It is usually recommended that you also file a Counter-Petition to include your requests for timesharing with the children, alimony, child support, etc... to preserve your rights.

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Florida on
Q: What motion can I file to have both parents evaluated for parental alienation and moral fitness? Or what is my option?

Ex wife is controlling and now is making false claims of domestic violence and harassment while filing supplemental petition for relocation

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Dec 7, 2022

You can file a motion for psychological testing of either parent if you can show that it is relevant to the issues before the court. This is not always easy to show. You also have to consider the expense involved. Are you willing to pay for the evaluations? Discuss these issues with a local family... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: What can I do if my ex says she has a child that is mine but never let me meet them and has blocked me?

I was dating a girl and she suddenly broke up with me and there was no communication. After 6 months she contacted me to tell me she was pregnant with my child and I ruined her life and she wanted nothing to do with me. I have tried to get in contact with her to meet my son however she has blocked... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Nov 30, 2022

The best way for you to force the issue is to bring a paternity case against her. You would probably need to go to court in Georgia where the child lives. Step one would be to request a DNA test and then go from there. 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 supply all documents for mandatory disclosure for a modification of parenting plan with no child support

I’m not asking to modify child support just circumstances have changed with my parenting plan and I can’t come to an agreement with the mother of my son.

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Nov 28, 2022

You can make an argument that if there are no financial issues then the mandatory disclosure for a modification are not necessary. However, if any of the requested modifications change the overnights, which in turn can change child support, then they may be required. If necessary, the focus will be... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Florida on
Q: Does my written answer to a petition need to be notarized before submitting it to the clerk of courts

The petition was filed in broward county and I live with my child here in Polk County. I'm trying to submit my answer and relocate the case and not really sure how to go about it. I've been trying lawyers for a consultation with no luck and am running out of time to put in my submission.

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Nov 28, 2022

You need to answer the petition in Broward county. You can also file a motion to transfer jurisdiction to where you live. Look for a family lawyer with a free consultation. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Florida on
Q: Do I have to file my written response in the county the petition was filed or can I file it with supplemental petition

I want to file a supplemental petition to move the case to the county where I live with my daughter but I have to write a response to the petition filed by her dad in a different county. I don't have transportation to the other county to file in their clerk of courts. Even if I file a... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Nov 28, 2022

You do need to answer the petition in the jurisdiction where it was filed. However, you can also file a motion to transfer jurisdiction to the place where you and the child live. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Florida on
Q: Do I have to file my written response in the county the petition was filed or can I file it with supplemental petition

I want to file a supplemental petition to move the case to the county where I live with my daughter but I have to write a response to the petition filed by her dad in a different county. I don't have transportation to the other county to file in their clerk of courts. Even if I file a... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Nov 28, 2022

You can file it online, using Florida's E0filing Portal:

https://www.myflcourtaccess.com/Common/UIPages/NotLoggedIn.aspx

Or, obviously, you could probably mail it to the clerk of court in the county where the father filed his petition.

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Florida on
Q: How do I file a motion for relocation. I do not live in the county where the petition was filed
Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Nov 23, 2022

You can file your supplemental petition where you live and/or preferably where the child lives. Assuming that all legal issues have been in Florida you can attach the original order to your petition as an exhibit. Relocation can be complex so speak with a local family lawyer for more specific... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Florida on
Q: I'm trying to get visitation of my child and my rights were given up. what do I do to get see my child
Pamela J. Fero
Pamela J. Fero
answered on Nov 14, 2022

If there is clear and convincing evidence that it is in the best interests of the child, the court may reinstate your parental rights. You must present the best case possible and commit to doing everything in your part to restore your rights.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Florida on
Q: How can I get sole custody of my son?

My wife and I are separated and currently about to go through a divorce. She currently has a live in boyfriend who has a lengthy, violent criminal history. I do not feel comfortable with my son going over there due to his history with violence and drugs. I do not have much money for a lawyer and I... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Nov 8, 2022

Generally speaking there is no "sole custody." Florida wants both parents to spend time with a child. You will need to notify the court of your concerns regarding the other parent's partner. If the concerns are legitimate then the court will put safeguards in place to protect the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Hello i signed a notarized paper only to give guardianship of my child no court involved can I grab my child when ready
Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Oct 28, 2022

If no court was involved, the "notarized paper" you signed probably only gives the so-called guardian the right to take care of the child as long as you agree. It would be revokable, in other words. If that is the case, you could resume physical custody whenever you want.

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Florida on
Q: I want to legally recognize my son, give him my last name on his birth certifiDoes his mom need to be okay with it this?
Pamela J. Fero
Pamela J. Fero
answered on Oct 19, 2022

Yes. When adding father's name to the child's birth certificate, both parents must consent. If the mother does not consent, you can file a petition to establish paternity. It will be granted after providing genetic samples proving you are the biological father of the child. The court will... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Immigration Law and Child Custody for Florida on
Q: Establishing parternity 14 years later.

My son was born in Florida while his mom was still married to another man, how can I establish paternity?

My son, his mother and I live abroad now.

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Oct 19, 2022

Instead of litigating paternity, it might be more efficient to apply to adopt the child, assuming all three of you live in the same jurisdiction "abroad". That would depend, of course, on the laws of that jurisdiction.

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Immigration Law and Child Custody for Florida on
Q: Establishing parternity 14 years later.

My son was born in Florida while his mom was still married to another man, how can I establish paternity?

My son, his mother and I live abroad now.

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Oct 19, 2022

Based on Florida law you cannot accomplish this without the cooperation of the man that she was married to at the time of birth. However, since none of you lives in Florida the court here will not have jurisdiction (the ability to decide your case). You may not be able to do anything before you... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody 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 and Child Support for Florida on
Q: My kids mother is remarried, does his income count as her income?

We have been separated for 5 years now. She is remarried and has another child with her husband. She does not work and stays home with all the kids and homeschools them. Her husband makes approximately double what I make, and they live a lavish lifestyle, yet I send her money each week. This is a... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Apr 30, 2024

A new spouse’s income doesn’t count for child support. You need to go to court for a formal parenting plan if you don’t have one. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Florida on
Q: This if for a child support modification case (after 14 years). What should I respond to this email with regarding ..

Last Friday was day 45 when all mandatory disclosure and financial affidavits were due to be turned in / delivered by mail. We still have not received them. We found a motion to compel but it says you must attempt by contacting party/attorney to get the documents before filing the motion. We sent... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Apr 17, 2024

Ask the attorney for a specific date for compliance. If they will not agree or if it is too far out then file the motion to compel. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody, Child Support and Domestic Violence for Florida on
Q: To what extent will it hurt my case if I have dv records (1)from my current wife that were dropped ??

.

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Apr 6, 2024

If it goes to trial, you will need to have witnesses to the DV incident or incidents, Records from cases that was dismissed are hearsay and therefore not admissible.

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Florida on
Q: My sons father relocated our son in violation of a temporary custody and status quo order and FS 61.13001, what do I do?
Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Mar 21, 2024

You need to file a Motion to Enforce to notify the judge that an order has been violated. Then you need to request a hearing on that motion. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

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