Posted by Nydia Streets of Streets Law in Florida Child Custody
A petition for temporary custody by an extended relative in Florida is subject to the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA). The UCCJEA is a set of rules to be followed among states which have adopted the UCCJEA. The aim of the UCCJEA is to prevent competing or conflicting orders on child custody among different states. This was an issue in the case Burgos v. Vargas, et. al., 2D2024-0385 (Fla. 2d DCA October 16, 2024).
Posted by Nydia Streets of Streets Law in Florida Child Custody
Grandparent visitation in Florida is limited because Florida law recognizes the right of parents to raise their children without interference. However, if a grandparent is granted visitation rights in a state that permits such rights, Florida case law has consistently held that it will enforce out-of-state grandparent visitation orders under the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the United States Constitution. This was an issue in the case Mattingly v. Hatfield, 1D2022-0039 (Fla. 1st DCA July 3, 2024) which was reconsidered on rehearing.
Posted by Nydia Streets of Streets Law in Florida Child Custody
Florida law generally recognizes the right of parents to raise their children without interference from third parties. This is why grandparent visitation rights in Florida are limited. Florida Statute Chp. 752 discusses limited circumstances in which a grandparent may seek visitation with children. Another route by which a grandparent may maintain visitation with a child in Florida is via enforcement of a court order entered in another state that has broader grandparent visitation rights. This was an issue Mattingly v. Hatfield, 1D2022-0039 (Fla. 1st DCA February 28, 2024).
Posted by Nydia Streets of Streets Law in Florida Child Custody
Grandparents can seek temporary custody of their grandchildren in Florida under certain conditions. According to the Florida Statutes, the following can seek temporary custody of a child: “(a) Any extended family member who has the signed, notarized consent of the child’s legal parents; or (b) Any extended family member who is caring full time for the child in the role of a substitute parent and with whom the child is presently living.” Fla. Stat. 751.02. This was an issue in the case Green v. Farmer, 4D22-2837 (Fla. 4th DCA August 30, 2023).