Legal Question in Family Law in Florida
handicap girl torn
I have a 14 year old daughter who is mentaly handicap. I have primary custody and she spends summers with her father,whom I'v learned is now drinking hevely alot. He is tring to talk her into staying with him,by the way of gifts and letting her know what all else hed buy her if shed go to court and say she wonted to live with him. She's falling for it bad. He has a history well documented of violance and DUIs. He is over 600 miles away and is refusing to bring her back, also sais i cant come get her becouse she is of age to decide. When she is with me he never rights her and calls about 5 times a year. Can her being mentaly handicap make that decishion? Also could he file a papper in his state to keep me from getting her even though I an the costodal parent and have been all her life?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: handicap girl torn
He cannot keep her without having petitioned for modification of custody and obtained an new order from the court. You need to start emergency proceedings in court if her continues to refuse to return your daughter.
Re: handicap girl torn
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A 14 year old girl, regardless whether she has a mental infirmity or not, is not old enough to make any decision about her custodial parent. Only a judge has the power to modify a previous court order and the father is required to seek a modification if he wishes to change the custody order.
You may need to seek an emergency hearing to have the court order the father to bring the child back to you. If he violates a court order, he will be held in contempt and may face serious sanctions including possible jail.
I stronly suggest that you retain an attorney to protect your rights and ensure the return of your daughter to you. Good luck.
Scott R. Jay, Esq.