Legal Question in Family Law in Florida

Parental cooridination?

I have 4 children 2 of which want to live with me full time. I have finally gotten my ex to attend court ordered parental co-ordination w/ me. As I understand it the coordinator has nothing to do w/ custody. So, how does this help me get custody of my son who wants to live w/ me? He has since written a letter that he wishes to be filed and wants to speak to the judge - is this possible? Is there such a thing as an affidavit of preference in FL? My ex is insisting that she will not sign the children over to me. ALL of my children do not want to have a full fledged custody case. I only want the kids to be happy in the long run. Please advise as to what I should do. I feel that she is just stalling until school starts to use that as another excuse as to why they should stay with her.


Asked on 7/29/08, 2:30 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Alicia Santana Torres Santana Torres Law Offices, PL

Re: Parental cooridination?

Only the court determines custody and you can request a temporary determination of custody while the case is pending. If you both want custody, I strongly recommend that you hire an attorney. That doesn't mean it has to be a "full-fledged custody case". Attorneys settle cases all the time. Also, if she refuses to attend court-ordered ANYTHING (mediation, classes, etc.), she should be held in contempt and it should help your case with the judge! Don't help her by "getting her to go" -- that is not your responsibility. You just show up yourself and make sure it gets reported to the judge that she did not show up.

Some judges will listen to kids and some won't. Again, you really need advice from a local attorney.

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Answered on 7/30/08, 12:39 pm


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