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?


Asked on 6/18/07, 10:16 pm

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.

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Answered on 6/19/07, 9:02 am
Scott R. Jay Law Offices of Scott R. Jay

Re: handicap girl torn

NOTE: This communication is not intended as and should not be interpreted as legal advice. Rather, it is intended solely as a general discussion of legal principles. You should not rely on or take action based on this communication without first presenting ALL relevant details to a competent attorney in your jurisdiction and then receiving the attorney's individualized advice for you. By reading the "Response" to your question or comment, you agree that the opinion expressed is not intended to, nor does it, create any attorney-client relationship, nor does it constitute legal advice to any person reviewing such information, nor will it be considered an attorney-client privileged communication. If you do not agree, then stop right here, and do not read any further.

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.

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Answered on 6/19/07, 8:20 pm


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