Legal Question in Family Law in Florida

Our 19-year-old daughter recently moved out of our home against our wishes and into an apartment with her boyfriend and another couple. We had been providing her full financial support, including the cost of her college education, until she sacrificed it by moving out. We are seriously concerned about her ability to make rational financial and life decisions, living under poverty conditions, and living with/around people of questionable character and a history of abuse. Under what conditions do we, as her parents, have any legal recourse to force her to move out of that situation and/or obtain legal/professional intervention?

Thank you.


Asked on 9/18/10, 7:15 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Latangie Williams Law Office of Latangie Williams, P.A.

I'm sorry that you are going through this and I sympathize with you. Unfortunately, the legal age for emancipation in Florida is 18 and your daughter is well over it. Therefore, she is considered an adult and you cannot force her to do anything that she doesn't want to do. If she has any mental issues (i.e. incapacity, etc.) that may render the need for a legal guardian, you may be able to petition the court and gain some control that way. However, I don't think that's the case here. It just sounds like she is "feeling" her way through life. Let's just hope that she soon realizes that she is not making the best decisions.

If you�d like to schedule a telephone or email legal consultation, please do not hesitate to contact me. Please email your inquiries at [email protected] and I�ll send you a Questionnaire. Or you may reach me by telephone at 1-800-408-5818.

The above reply is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact an attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Use of and access to this Web site does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Read more
Answered on 9/23/10, 8:05 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody and Adoption questions and answers in Florida