Legal Question in Family Law in Florida

Jurisdiction; change in custody status

Must all matters pertaining to my divorce go through the court in the county where the divorce was final? Also, what are the real chances custody could be changed from shared to joint? Both are good parents but non-custodial father has moved to new city several hundred miles away and wishes to spend more time with his daughter. Initially father was in same city and had alternating weekend visitation. If custody could be changed, how would a modification of child support be viewed by the court? Thank you very much.


Asked on 3/08/00, 11:36 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert McCall Law Office of Robert McCall

Re: Jurisdiction; change in custody status

You asked 3 questions. as to #1, jurisdiction may be changed by filing a Petition for Domestification in the circuit court, but the standard is good cause, no forum shopping is allowed. #2 The "real chance" will depend on the judge but my experience is joint custody is extremely rare, you should consider the probability slim and none. #3 As to child support, the judge has minimal discretion under the Florida statute, the non-custodial parent will be ordered to pay support.

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Answered on 3/22/00, 8:49 am


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