Legal Question in Family Law in Florida
My daughter is 17 years old. Her dad and I are divorced. She started not obeying the rules at my home. (I have custody). She began to run away to an overage boy's apartment. Her dad has actually picked her up from there without even letting me that he found her and she's ok. After the 3rd time, I decided perhaps we need a break time for a couple of weeks (jan 2). SInce this, I have seen my daughter maybe 2 hours.There is no contact with me. Her father never calls me to let me know whats going on with her. I just found out that her dad switched her school on Friday to another school. I didn;t know he could do that. He doesn;t have custody, I do. She has been in this same school system since birth. What can I do? I already went to the courts for help, the judge ordered her back home. Now she just keeps taking off with boys 19 and 20. Dyed her hair black and got a piercings with her fathers consent. Her whole being is different. He allows her to do whatever she whats whenever. I would want to be there too if i was 17. BUT its not a good thing. I can't get her dad to back me up on anything or even let me know what is going on with our child. Help!
2 Answers from Attorneys
You could try to seek the court's assistance in ordering family court services co-parenting. This could be done in a Motion that would outline the problems you are having with your child and then requesting the court order co-parenting for both parents.
Hello;
I just read your question and comments. 'Sorry you are having to go through that. I guess this type of scenario is what people are warning me about as I have young girls. You could seek some help from the Court. This would need to be under the issue of shared parental responsibility (decision making between parents). As you may surmise, neither the Court nor you may have any effect since she is 17. It still may let her know you are there and trying to look out for her. It may end up simply being a situation where you have to keep going with your life and hope she doesn't make too many bad decisions while in her rebellious phase. Good luck. Tom Rosenblum