Legal Question in Family Law in Florida

Does anyone care about the children?

What is considered abusive towards a child and What makes a parent unfit to raise a child? Can the courts go directly by hear-say in making a judgement or do they go by legal documents. Is verbal fighting enough for the courts to deem one parent unfit? (dad uses drugs, is abusive and drinks alcohol). The husband has fractured the mothers jaw and hand, both children witnessed their dad holding their mom in a head lock and hitting her in the head. The mother has legal documents stating that she has NO alcohol or drugs in her system. The mother has a deposition where the husband admitts to abuse, illegal use of steriods and marijuana. What has to happen for a parent to lose all parental rights? Father has temp custody right now and mother is fighting for custody. Dad refuses mother visitation. Mother has a police document where one child states ''My dad slapped me for not watching him shave his penis'' and ''dad choked me for washing my hair when I wasn't supose to'' Other child states that ''dad is mean and he bites her all over her body and That dad has pinched her nipples''

What are the odds in the mother getting the children?


Asked on 5/13/02, 10:35 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Sanford Martin Martin Law Office

Re: Does anyone care about the children?

Based on your information, there is evidence of abusive conduct. If the Dept. of Children & Families is not already involved in this matter, it should be. Any interested adult, including yourself, who knows of such abuse or neglect can contact the DCFS to initiate an investigation. Decisions by the agency and family court are to be based on the best interests of the child or children. If you cannot hire an attorney regarding this matter, you may contact a child welfare agency or the DCFS to take action and you and the mother can provide all the information relevant to the welfare of the children and the fitness of the parents. Best wishes for the children.

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Answered on 5/15/02, 10:45 am


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