Legal Question in Family Law in Florida

My 17 year old daughter moved in with her Father 6 months ago because she felt I was too strict. In the last 6 months at her Dads he has allowed her to drop out of school, get 11 tattoo's and facial piercings. He has no curfew. He allows her to come and go as she pleases not knowing where she is. He allows her to smoke pot and he smokes it with her friends. He allows her to go out to 18 and over clubs and drink. She does drugs such as ecstasy and has been tested positive for it. She rarely comes home and he claims he doesn't know or care where she is. Recently she attended the 2011 Cannabis Festival in town and was a dancer on stage... In a half naked outfit.

Because of the lack of discipline, rules, restrictions, love and caring she is a mess. She is skinny, she is sick all the time, she suffers depression, she does drugs, smokes cigarette, smokes pot, has contracted VD from multiple partners, has no education, no job, and has her body covered in tattoo's.

I have provided a beautiful loving home for her for 17 years. I taught her good values and brought her up in the church. I am appauled, I am broken hearted. I gave her everything... Most of all I gave her love. I can't handle watching what he is allowing and he doesnt care.

She will not live with me, her Mom, because I have curfews, I care who she is with, I do not allow tattoos and facial peircings and insisted on completing her high school diploma. My husband is military and yes, we run a strict household because we love our children and wish to protect them and raise them to be good, successful, responsible adults . We certainly do not condone drugs. I warned her when she moved out that she would not be allowed back if she abused drugs, drinking, got tattoo's, or quit school.

What can be done? Isn't this neglect? Abuse? Please help


Asked on 1/25/12, 5:37 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Lucreita Becude Lucreita D. Becude, P.A.

She is at the fine line age. Either considered an adult or truancy from school. Try contacting the court and see if you can have her compelled into the Marchman Act program. She will end up in jail or worse if this doesn't come to a halt.

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Answered on 1/25/12, 6:03 pm


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