Unfortunately, the way it usually works is if it is your timesharing day then you are responsible for child care. If dad has a school day and they are sick then he is responsible, same for you. You can try to address this issue financially (through child support or otherwise) so that you can afford... View More

You need to be clear about the difference between sole parental responsibility (decision making) and 100% timesharing. It sounds like you want 100% timesharing which is difficult to get. The court is always going to try and encourage a relationship between the child and both parents. You have given... View More

A stepparent (spouse of a parent) is not the same as an adoptive parent. If you were adopted in a Florida court, you would legally be their child, and subject to their control until you turn 18. You might want to see about getting emancipated.

You cannot really "domesticate" a contempt order. The contempt sanctions are imposed by the court that issued the contempt order. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

Education issues fall under shared parental responsibility. If the parents cannot agree then your remedy is to return to court. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

You raise two separate issues. As far as the exchange goes, if you previously agreed to meet halfway and have been doing that then the court will probably follow that arrangement. Child support is the right of the child under the law and cannot be waived by the parents. The court will address child... View More

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answered on Apr 18, 2023

That may be a good idea but you should probably hire an attorney to draft this request and the amended petition for you.

Anytime that child support is an issue both parties will need to provide a financial affidavit. Since custody (timesharing) affects child support you will both have to file updated (from the last time that you were in court) financial affidavits. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific... View More

You do not mention which state issued the divorce decree/ custody order. Under Florida law a child never gets to decide, absent extreme circumstances. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

As long as she is not relocating permanently and notifies the other parent that she will return in a week there should be no problem. She needs to read carefully any court orders that are currently in place to make sure that she is not violating any provisions. She should speak with a local family... View More

Sorry to hear about your crisis. It is probable that the only way you would have any potential claim regarding wrongful acts by DCF employees is if the court adjudication that was adverse to you is vacated. You're basically saying you were maliciously prosecuted. (That term applies to any... View More

You need to read the verified petition for sole custody of minor child and modification of child support and answer each numbered paragraph ADMIT or DENY. After you do that then a hearing can be scheduled on the merits. At the hearing you can present your evidence through testimony and exhibits.... View More

You need to return to the court that issued the guardianship order to see who is next in line. If you are willing and able to assume custody then you can present your case. Speak with a local family lawyer who specializes in guardianship for more specific advice.

There is no law that says a 10 year old must have their own bedroom. The legal standard is "best interests of the child." As long as you can show that you have a safe and healthy environment for the child you are meeting your obligation. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

I am assuming from your question that there is a custody order that was either issued by a Tennessee court or was registered with Tennessee as a foreign judgment. I am assuming that the custody order gives the father certain visitation rights.

When you moved from Tennessee to Florida,... View More

Yes. Assuming that no other court case was filed before now, jurisdiction would be in Tennessee, not Florida. The Uniform Child Custody and Jurisdiction Act (the law in both states) would require that the child has been in Florida for at least six months before exclusive jurisdiction would be in... View More

If you have never been to court regarding the child then you need to file a petition for paternity. A paternity lawsuit will establish and protect your rights as the father. Issues like school and moving will be covered by "shared parental responsibility" which means that both parents... View More

If you are a minor in Florida then your parents are in control. If they are divorced then normally they must agree on where you go to school. If they cannot agree then the court will choose which parent decides. Good luck.

You are always able to motion the court to not suspend your driving privilege. The court wants you to work to earn money to pay the child support. Explain that you cannot work without your drivers license. As long as you can demonstrate that you are making your best efforts to work and pay your... View More

Timesharing and child support are two separate issues. You cannot have timesharing taken away because you are not paying child support. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.