Legal Question in Family Law in Florida

Re: Temporary Child Custody

A relative could probably get emergency temporary custody of her (and you probably could, too, but the lawsuit is much more difficult for a nonrelative). The problem is that she's so close to 18 now that the legal system probably isn't quick enough to help you.

If she's really in immediate danger, you should call DCF and see if they'll "shelter" her with you or a relative until she turns 18 in a few weeks. After she turns 18, of course, DCF will loose jurisdiction, and she can come and live with you.

The downside is that DCF could shelter her with a stranger (a foster home) for the next few weeks, but that's probably better than the situation she's in.

This isn't my legal advice, of course, but what's going to happen if she simply runs away and comes to your house?

Re: Temporary Child Custody

The quickest way to have her removed from the father's custody is by reporting any abuse or neglect to DCF. If the situation is bad enough, they will remove her from the house and Shelter her with another relative or friend of the family. However, being unemployed and grouchy is not enough to have her sheltered; she would have to be in some sort of actual, tangible danger or have experienced an actual physical or emotional injury as a result of living with her father.

I recommend speaking with the father and attempt to convince him of that it would be less trouble for him to not have to deal with the daughter for the month; and/or that it would make more sense for the daughter to stay in her current area to finish school, etc.

If he does not agree to let her live with you, and she decides to run away, I would not recommend assisting or harboring her -- at that point you would need a lawyer.