Legal Question in Family Law in Florida

childknapping?

I took my two children and left my husband a week ago. He's been emotionally and mentally abusive for years. He took our son ( 4 years old) and left the state. Do I have any recourse under FL state law? I've only lived here for two weeks. It's the weekend and I wanted some advice quickly. There's been one instance of physical abuse towards me. The children were in the house, but not in the same room. It happened in P.A. in Jan. of 2002. Thank You.


Asked on 4/14/02, 4:37 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Sanford Martin Martin Law Office

Re: childknapping?

Regarding the actions of your husband which affect your children, if you cannot consult with a family law attorney for direction, contact the local office of the FL Dept. of Children & Families. Report the action of your husband to the Dept., that it was done without your consent, that you don't know where they are or if they are being properly cared for. Any instance of abuse or neglect should be reported. Any instance of abuse or threat of violence toward you should be reported to the local Sheriff which has a domestic violence unit, division, or officer, depending on the county. If you are planning to reside in Florida, you should report these actions immediately, regardless of how long you've lived here. You must waith six months to file for divorce, but you can report actions of abuse, neglect, violence, or threat of violence, and seek child support. Contact the legal aid office in your county if you can't afford a lawyer.

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Answered on 4/14/02, 9:51 pm


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