Interstate Custody & 16 Year Old

by Ruth from Bronx, New York

Run away from one joint custody parent with the help of the other custodial parent without notification. I relocated to NY 8 months ago, did my research understood could not relocate my daughter without consent from her father.

After many disputes we verbally agreed she would complete her junior year. Once completed she would relocate with me.

I did my part to keep the agreement when the time came for her to move but he changed his mind. So I made arrangements to bring her to NY while notifying him of all my actions as I proceeded.

She came and was here for 2 weeks, went to spend the night over a relative's house to find out when her brother got home she was gone. At this point I called her dad again and finally he told me she was on a plane to Florida.

I asked for further info and he stated no he would not give me any more. She finally text me 8 hrs later telling me she was with her dad. I could not do a missing person report because she contacted me. Do I have any rights? What can i do if anything?

Answer to Florida Child Custody Question

Dear Ruth,

At age 16, family law judges will take into consideration the preference of the child as to their living arrangements.

If your daughter is determined to live with her father, in the real world, there is likely very little you can do about it.

You could file a Motion for Contempt, alleging that he violated the custody order by enticing his daughter to leave your home and come back to Florida.

However, he would very likely dispute your allegations and then finally explain to the judge that your daughter chose to live with him.

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